noun

balaclava

bal-uh-KLAH-vuh

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Balaclava (noun) means a close-fitting knitted covering for the head and neck, often with an opening for the face, worn for warmth or as a disguise. Example: “He pulled on a balaclava before heading out to shovel snow in the freezing wind.”

noun

A close-fitting knitted covering for the head and neck, often with an opening for the face, worn for warmth or as a disguise.

"He pulled on a balaclava before heading out to shovel snow in the freezing wind."

"The robbery suspects were seen wearing dark balaclavas on the security footage."

How to use balaclava

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA knitted hood covering the head and most of the face, leaving the eyes (and sometimes mouth) exposed.

Common mistake

In everyday British usage it usually means a warm winter garment; in crime reporting it's strongly associated with concealed identity.

Common pairings

wear a balaclava a woollen balaclava

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: balaclavas

Test yourself on “balaclava” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He pulled on a _____ before heading out to shovel snow in the freezing wind.

Etymology

Named after Balaklava in Crimea, after British troops there during the Crimean War (1854) needed warm knitted headgear to cope with the bitter cold, and the garment took the town's name.

· First attested 1854

Class of 1854 balaclava joined the language around 1854.

Buick kerosene

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Synonyms

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balaclava helmet

Rhymes for balaclava

Ava lava Java Cava Sava Nava guava brava slava cassava baklava Bratislava

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Frequently asked questions

What does “balaclava” mean?

The word “balaclava” means a close-fitting knitted covering for the head and neck, often with an opening for the face, worn for warmth or as a disguise. In plain terms, a knitted hood covering the head and most of the face, leaving the eyes (and sometimes mouth) exposed.

How do you pronounce “balaclava”?

“Balaclava” is pronounced bal-uh-KLAH-vuh (/ˌbæl.əˈklɑː.və/ in IPA).

How do you use “balaclava” in a sentence?

Here is “balaclava” used in a sentence: “He pulled on a balaclava before heading out to shovel snow in the freezing wind.”

What part of speech is “balaclava”?

“Balaclava” is a noun.

Where does the word “balaclava” come from?

The word “balaclava” dates back to around 1854. Named after Balaklava in Crimea, after British troops there during the Crimean War (1854) needed warm knitted headgear to cope with the bitter cold, and the garment took the town's name.