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

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

Beckham went to the Dallas location and also tried on some Texas headgear at the McKinney Hat Company. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Fans quickly took to social media to express their disapproval of Lopez's headgear after spotting her sitting in the Royal Box next to Tom Hiddleston at the tennis tournament. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

The Thrissur Vadakkunnathan temple’s annual Pooram parade features about 100 elephants adorned in golden headgear and colorful silk caparisons. — ABC News, 3 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