balaclava

noun

bal·​a·​cla·​va ˌba-lə-ˈklä-və How to pronounce balaclava (audio) -ˈkla- How to pronounce balaclava (audio)
: a knit cap for the head and neck

called also balaclava helmet

Examples of balaclava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instantly, the passenger door opened and a man in khakis, a full-face balaclava and a tactical vest jumped out. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025 Removing his balaclava, the man identifies himself as Hank Grant (Reed Birney), a former teacher at Aaron’s junior school. Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025 What balaclavas and bonnets were to winter, skull caps are to spring and summer. Jalil Johnson, Refinery29, 13 Aug. 2025 Use it as a balaclava, a headband, or even a hair wrap. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balaclava

Word History

Etymology

Balaclava, Crimea, site of a British encampment during the Crimean War

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balaclava was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balaclava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balaclava. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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