gas mask

American

noun

a masklike device containing or attached to a component that filters the air inhaled by the wearer through charcoal and chemicals, for protecting the face and lungs against noxious gases and fumes, as in warfare or in certain industrial processes.

gas mask British

noun

Also called (in Britain): respirator. a mask fitted with a chemical filter to enable the wearer to breathe air free of poisonous or corrosive gases: used for military or industrial purposes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gas mask

First recorded in 1910–15

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.

When he does fly, he carries a gas mask.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

In an incredible moment of valour, within the chaos and madness, Laidlaw tore off his own gas mask, climbed up on the parapet and started playing the pipes.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Some diehard fans, after catching a glimpse of Usagi in the trailer wearing a gas mask on the subway, have speculated at least one game might be inspired by a side story from the manga.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025

In the crush of events, someone shoved a gas mask into Armstrong’s hands and pulled her to safety.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2025

He’s got his quirks—chains his tea mug to the radiator by his desk, wears a tie for a belt, and rides a rickety bicycle along country lanes while wearing a gas mask.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023