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.

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Etymology

Origin of face mask

First recorded in 1905–10; face + mask

Example Sentences

Flu season has come early this year and some hospitals have asked staff, patients and visitors to wear face masks.

From BBC

If you are unwell but must go out, consider wearing a face mask to help protect others.

From BBC

Staff, patients and visitors are being asked to wear face masks at three hospital sites as flu cases rise.

From BBC

He tried teaching over Zoom and did private lessons, wearing a face mask and hoofing it to as many as 16 homes a day.

From Los Angeles Times

The manager said she had looked online for pictures of him but could only make out Mr Mangione's eyebrows as he ate in the restaurant, since he wore a hat and face mask.

From BBC