rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybalaclavaHead-covering hood
noun

balaclava

bal-uh-KLAH-vuh/ˌbæləˈklɑːvə/

A close-fitting hood covering the head and neck.

The skier pulls a balaclava over her head before entering the cold.

A clear three-quarter head-and-shoulders portrait of a woman wearing a close-fitting knitted balaclava, with one oval opening exposing her eyes, nose, and mouth while the fabric covers her crown, ears, chin, and neck.
Etymology
balaclavaEnglishCrimean village and battle site

The head covering was evidently named for Balaclava, a Crimean battle site. Its name may recall the cold suffered by British troops during that war.

In context

Banijay Crime - Crime Documentary13:21
he had told us that he made particular note of these piercing blue eyes staring back at him through the balaclava
Forensic Investigators: Catch Me If You Can (Australian Crime) | Crime Documentary | True Crime

More examples

  • Only his eyes showed through the balaclava.
  • The climbers packed warm balaclavas for the exposed ridge.
  • A woolen balaclava protected her neck from the wind.

Forms

balaclava · balaclavas

Similar words

hood
Is broader and may be attached to another garment.
ski mask
Often suggests a similar covering with openings for the face.