balaclava

American  

[bal-, bahl-uh-klah-vuh] / ˌbæl-, ˌbɑl əˈklɑ və /

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.

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Balaclava British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of balaclava

First recorded in 1880–85; named after Balaklava

Example Sentences

There was much speculation, therefore, over EsDeeKid - a Liverpool rapper who shot to fame this year but keeps his face hidden under a balaclava, bandana or mask.

From BBC

Last month, they convened a press conference on Israeli television, four of them appearing in black balaclavas to hide their identities.

From BBC

He then got out of the car and pulled down a balaclava he was wearing so Webley could know who he was.

From BBC

Dozens of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving balaclavas had been logged by police in the town over the last year, she said.

From BBC

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.

From BBC