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

"We see the island of Cuba being strangled," said the musician, wearing sunglasses next to bandmates Moglai Bap and DJ Provai, the latter wearing a balaclava in the colors of the Irish flag.

From Barron's

A wave of stylish DIY kits offers customized sweaters, balaclavas and bags.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Monday, Longhurst said he had been wearing a balaclava which he took off immediately after the accident because he said he "didn't want to hide" his identity.

From BBC

An AI-generated video shows a crowd of young - mostly black - men, wearing balaclavas and padded jackets, slipping down a water slide into a dirty swimming pool with litter bobbing on the surface.

From BBC

The man is wearing a balaclava, gloves and a backpack.

From Los Angeles Times