noun
babushka
buh-BOOSH-kuh/bəˈbʊʃkə/
A headscarf tied under the chin.
She ties a patterned babushka beneath her chin before stepping outside.
Etymology
Russian babushka means “grandmother.” In English, the name identifies the headscarf associated with older women rather than the woman herself, shifting from a wearer to her characteristic clothing.
More examples
- The wind tugged at her woolen babushka.
- Several colorful babushkas hung beside the winter coats.
- She folded the babushka into a triangle before putting it on.
Forms
babushka · babushkas
Similar words
- headscarf
- Is broader and does not require tying it beneath the chin.
- kerchief
- Can be worn around the neck or used in other ways.