helm

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈhelm 

1

a

: a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship for steering

broadly : the entire apparatus for steering a ship

b

: position of the helm with respect to the amidships position

turn the helm hard alee

2

: a position of control : head

a new dean is at the helm of the medical school

helm

2 of 4

verb (1)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

1

: to direct (a ship) with a lever or wheel that controls the rudder : to direct (a ship) with or as if with a helm (see helm entry 1 sense 1a) : steer

helming a schooner

2

: direct, control

the director has helmed many action movies

helm

3 of 4

noun (2)

: helmet sense 1

helm

4 of 4

verb (2)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a helmet

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• chair
• driver's seat
• head
• headship
• rein(s)

Verb (1)

• conn
• con
• navigate
• pilot
• steer

Examples of helm in a Sentence

Noun (1)

with a blind person at the helm, the city has made a lot of improvements for the physically challenged

Verb (1)

a treacherous route for any weekend sailor just learning to helm his vessel

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Following her death in 2015, Loretta’s daughter, Lucia Caponi, took its helm as creative director. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024

Kelly was considered a bit of an underdog, and the Republican ticket in the general election had a controversial figure at its helm in then-Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who frequently spread misinformation about voter fraud. —Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Oct. 2024

Verb

Today, this historic gin joint with its Roaring Twenties soundtrack and retro-chic interior, is helmed by none other than Argentinian mixologist Diego Cabera, of Salmón Gurú fame. —Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Democratic turnout efforts are helmed by longtime campaign professionals with significant experience in organizing and getting voters to the polls. —W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb (1)

Middle English helme, from Old English helma; akin to Old High German helmo tiller

Noun (2) and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing helm

• at the helm
• take the helm

Kids Definition

helm

1 of 2 noun

ˈhelm 

: helmet sense 1

helm

2 of 2 noun

1

: a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship

also : the steering equipment of a ship

2

: a position of control : head

at the helm of the business