headgear

[hed-geer]

noun

1. any covering for the head, heads, especially a hat, cap, bonnet, etc.

2. a protective covering for the head, heads, as a steel helmet or football helmet.

3. the parts of a harness about the animal's head. heads.

4. Orthodontics Informal.,  a device worn on the head heads and attached by wires and elastic bands to braces in the mouth, used to create backward tension in the process of repositioning protruding teeth.

5. Mining.,  a headframe and its machinery.

headgear

/ ˈhɛdˌɡɪə /

noun

1. any head covering, esp a hat

2. any part of a horse's harness that is worn on the head

3. the hoisting mechanism at the pithead of a mine

Word History and Origins

Origin of headgear¹

First recorded in 1530–40; head + gear

Example Sentences

He adds that players should wear protective headgear - which many currently do not - and have spotters around to prevent their heads from hitting the ground.

From BBC

But the BBC compared his body armour, riot shield and headgear with that of every police officer at the scene.

From BBC

Melania Trump kicked off inauguration day with an outfit that has all the hallmarks of her favoured First Lady style: sharply cut, with spiked heels and a dramatic flourish via the headgear.

From BBC

"As we left the park, we were told to take off all our headgear. We were told everyone leaving from that exit could not be costumed."

From BBC

After taking a punch to the face inside 30 seconds during Thursday's fight, Carini went to the corner for her coach to fix her headgear.

From BBC

Related Words

• fedora 
• helmet