helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət 

1

: a covering or enclosing headpiece of ancient or medieval armor see armor illustration

2

: any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact

3

: something resembling a helmet

helmeted

ˈhel-mə-təd 

adjective

helmetlike

ˈhel-mət-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of helmet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With helmets on, the sick astronauts would have been unable to blow their noses, and the buildup of pressure could have ruptured their eardrums: a painful and possibly career-ending injury. —Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Tech innovator Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci) has developed virtual reality helmets called neurocasters with bifurcation capabilities, meaning people can work and play at the same time, enjoying safe VR leisure pursuits while their robot avatars take care of the hard stuff in the dystopian real world. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025

The cat's helmet comes from one of Kuznetsov's friends, who makes replicas of skydiving helmets. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

And while motorcycle helmets have long been all about protection, Sena has just made its new range of helmets smart. —New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of helme helmet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English helm helmet, Old High German helan to conceal — more at hell

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing helmet

• crash helmet
• pith helmet

Kids Definition

helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət 

1

: a covering or enclosing headpiece of armor

2

: any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material

helmetlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective