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

Many of the individuals are wearing dark hoodies, and some are wearing face masks.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, they have demanded curtailed patrols, a ban on ICE agents wearing face masks during operations and the requirement that they obtain a judicial warrant to enter private property.

From Barron's

They have asked for a number of changes within the DHS including a ban on immigration agents wearing face masks, better identification for officers and stricter rules for obtaining warrants.

From BBC

Omer Sheikh was in the house during the search and directed investigators to the attic, where 121 boxes of rubber gloves were discovered, as well as a box of face masks.

From BBC

Beauty and home environment appliances sales soared 63% on strong fan and purifier sales, and the launch of face masks last year.

From The Wall Street Journal