balaclava

[bal-, bahl-uh-klah-vuh]

noun

1. a close-fitting, knitted cap that covers the head, neck, and tops of the shoulders, worn especially by mountain climbers, soldiers, skiers, etc.

Balaclava

/ ˌbæləˈklɑːvə /

noun

1. (often not capitals) a close-fitting woollen hood that covers the ears and neck, as originally worn by soldiers in the Crimean War

Word History and Origins

Origin of balaclava¹

First recorded in 1880–85; named after Balaklava

Word History and Origins

Origin of balaclava¹

C19: named after _Balaklava

Example Sentences

Police searching the scene retrieved a discarded balaclava, took forensic samples from it, and Challis was linked to another crime – once again, by his DNA.

Read more on BBC

HASAKAH, Syria—In a wing of the notorious Al Sina prison in northeastern Syria, where some of the world’s most dangerous inmates are held, guards wearing balaclavas stood along a corridor lined with cells.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Men in balaclavas entered my home" in the capital Conakry on Saturday night, the singer said in a video.

Read more on Barron's

Several protesters, some wearing balaclavas, toppled the metal barriers protecting the palace and threw paving stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas, according to AFP journalists.

Read more on Barron's

"We want our guests to feel comfortable and not put off from eating here if they see customers wearing tracksuits, hoodies and even balaclavas," he said.

Read more on BBC