Definition

A warm, knitted garment that covers the head, face, and neck, often used for protection against cold weather.

Example

He wore a balaclava to keep warm while skiing in the mountains.

Conversation

I just bought a new balaclava for skiing this winter.

Oh nice! That will keep you warm on the slopes.

Yeah, I can't wait to try it out; I heard it's really effective.

Definitely! A good balaclava makes all the difference in cold weather.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Balaclava originates from the name of a town in Crimea, Balaklava, where a type of knitted headgear was first used by British soldiers during the Crimean War. The term refers specifically to a garment that covers the head, face, and neck, leaving only the eyes, mouth, and sometimes the nose exposed.

Memory Tip

Imagine a soldier in the cold, wearing a knitted cap that covers most of their face and neck — that's what a balaclava is, named after the place where it became popular.

Visually Confused Words