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face mask

American  
Or facemask

noun

  1. Sports. the protective equipment, usually made of steel or plastic, that guards the face, as the steel cage worn by a baseball catcher or the molded plastic covering worn by a hockey goalkeeper.

  2. any of various similar devices to shield the face, sometimes attached to or forming part of a helmet, as that worn by workers engaged in a hazardous activity.


Etymology

Origin of face mask

First recorded in 1905–10; face + mask

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His previous creations have included a smartwatch and a high-tech face mask launched during the pandemic and tricked out with Bluetooth, LED lights and a magnetic earbud docking system.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Officers found him wearing gloves and a blue surgical face mask, and with a pair of scissors in his pocket.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Kim, who appeared in court wearing a white face mask, kept her head lowered as the verdict was announced.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

His hands were bound with plastic cable ties and he was wearing orange overalls and a black face mask.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

He sometimes wore a doctor’s face mask instead of a diaper.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

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