flak jacket

American  

noun

1. U.S. Air Force. an armored garment made of steel plates covered by a padded fabric, designed to protect vital parts of the body from shrapnel.

2. a protective vest, especially one that is bulletproof.

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flak jacket British  

noun

1. a reinforced sleeveless jacket for protection against gunfire or shrapnel worn by soldiers, policemen, etc

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Etymology

Origin of flak jacket

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Wine, who has been repeatedly arrested in the past, campaigned in a flak jacket, saying the race has become a "war".

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

While a U.S.-led coalition focused on airstrikes, several ground victories by Iraqi forces featured photographs of Soleimani leading them without a flak jacket.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2024

Wearing a bluish flak jacket emblazoned with the word “Press,” she was recently in a Rafah refugee camp reporting on the lack of women’s sanitary products.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2023

His office issued photos afterwards showing him in a helmet and flak jacket meeting soldiers and commanders.

From Reuters • Nov. 27, 2023

Gearhart had his head up, his flak jacket was open.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers