headgear

noun

head·​gear ˈhed-ˌgir 

1

: a covering or protective device for the head

2

: a harness for a horse's head

Synonyms of headgear

• hat
• helmet
• cap

Examples of headgear in a Sentence

The law requires cyclists to wear protective headgear.

Her preferred form of headgear is a big, floppy hat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite neither having professional boxing records, their bout, fought with headgear, was praised for its intensity and athleticism, particularly from Lex, whose jab, length, and coordination proved decisive. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

The Maumelle High student felt unusual movement inside his headgear following warmups last week and brought his helmet to an assistant coach for inspection. — CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Co-owner, club ambassador, strength and conditioning coach, headgear salesman, charity fundraiser and now kit designer… nobody can accuse JJ Watt of being a passive investor at Burnley. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 July 2026

And while Holland has yet to produce any Telemachus method dressing, Zendaya has been Athena incarnate in custom Jacquemus, drapey Khaite, and sculptural vintage Givenchy headgear. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headgear

• midyear
• nazir
• ophir
• reindeer
• switchgear
• tuyere
• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere

Kids Definition

headgear

noun

head·​gear -ˌgi(ə)r 

1

: a covering (as a hat or helmet) for the head

2

: harness for a horse's head