balaclava

noun

bal·​a·​cla·​va ˌba-lə-ˈklä-və  -ˈkla- 

: a knit cap for the head and neck

called also balaclava helmet

Examples of balaclava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The person who pumped the gas can be seen wearing a black balaclava style mask and dark clothing, the warrant affidavit said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Activists in pink balaclavas led by Nadya Tolokonnikova and other members of Pussy Riot, together with the feminist dissent group FEMEN, shot smoke flares and waved Ukrainian flags outside the Russian pavilion, chanting anti-war slogans. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026

The man was wearing a balaclava, gloves and a backpack. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Four men jumped out of the Cadillac, all armed with semi-automatic guns and wearing balaclavas, though victim 1 told the FBI recognized Phihoang and at least two other men, the complaint said. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for balaclava

• cassava
• cava
• fava
• flava
• guava
• jahveh
• lava