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

Large or loosely knitted headgear helps to give your hair some extra space. —Lea Hüttinger, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2025

In April, the city of Hangzhou hosted the first-ever robot kickboxing tournament, featuring several humanoid robots made by Chinese startup Unitree outfitted with gloves and protective headgear, operated by humans with video-game controllers. —James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Just how safe is that headgear? —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

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

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