balaclava
A type of warm headgear covering the neck, head, and often part of the face, with…A type of warm headgear covering the neck, head, and often part of the face, with apertures left as necessary, often made out of wool.
» The soldier took off his balaclava.
Meaning
2 sensesA type of warm headgear covering the neck, head, and often part of the face, with apertures left as necessary, often made out of wool.
Sturmhaube, Sturmmaske, Skimaske
балакла́ваbalakláva, вя́заный шлемvjázanyj šlem
балакла́ваbalakláva
(Canada, UK)A ski mask with holes for the eyes and, sometimes, the nose and mouth, which may be rolled up and worn like a toque or pulled over the face for greater protection.
- a cap that is close-fitting and woolen and covers all of the head but the face
Examples
4 sentencesThe soldier took off his balaclava.
Suddenly, I realize I have been smiling nonstop under my balaclava for hours.
Tom was wearing a balaclava.
The thief thought a balaclava would obscure her identity, but the cops were able to identify her by her distinctive eyebrows.
Translations
9 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 1
Origin
From the city of Balaklava in Crimea, from Ottoman Turkish بالقلاوه (modern Turkish balıklFrom the city of Balaklava in Crimea, from Ottoman Turkish بالقلاوه (modern Turkish balıklava), alteration of بالقلاغه (balıklaga, “fishing ground”). During the Crimean War the British troops suffered from cold due to improper clothing. When the news spread in the home front after the Battle of Balaclava in 1854, the people began knitting warm clothing for the soldiers, including woollen caps to be worn under the helmet, which were named balaclavas by the troops.
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Forms
plural: balaclavas| Singular | balaclava |
|---|---|
| Plural | balaclavas |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonyms- a cap that is close-fitting and woolen and covers all of the head but the face:balaclava helmet