What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hat
Example
She wore a wide-brimmed hat to shield her face from the sun. [hat: noun]
Example
He tipped his hat to greet the passerby. [hat: noun]
headgear
Example
The construction worker wore headgear to protect himself from falling debris. [headgear: noun]
Example
The athlete put on his headgear before the match. [headgear: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hat is more commonly used than headgear in everyday language. Hat is a versatile accessory that can be worn for fashion or protection, while headgear is often used in specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hat and headgear?
Hat is generally considered more formal than headgear. While hat can be used in both formal and informal contexts, headgear is often associated with informal or specialized contexts, such as sports or safety equipment.
