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

Balancing domestic references with technical innovation, Chen approached each garment as a wearable sculpture paired with protective headgear. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026

Before meeting some Under Armour executives in February, Arzoni impressed upon them the marketing significance of headgear. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026

Purdy’s punishment was wearing an Iowa cap and shirt to his post-practice press conference, which Purdy noted was not as bad as wearing Iowa’s mascot headgear in 2023. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026

Examples of non-compliant headgear/face coverings include inappropriate face paint, offensive prosthetics, make up or masks intended to frighten, and fursuits. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 6 Sep. 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