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

Lime and makers of personal e-scooters encourage using helmets, and Lime has launched campaigns in some cities to tell riders to wear headgear. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 7 Nov. 2025

Skirmishing, partying, carving cups, draping themselves in fur, making smart headgear. —Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025

The naked baby angel boy character with whimsical headgear comes in different forms—from regular, mini dolls to the popular Hippers, which are designed to hang from your phone or laptop with a square of adhesive tape. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2025

Lee Corso, who wore garnet and gold long before the headgear, will be in attendance. —D’joumbarey A. Moreau, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headgear

• midyear
• nazir
• reindeer
• tuyere
• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere

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