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

Still, those scenarios will only come into view if Hegseth fails to make it to the helm of the Defense Department. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

With Sony as the new owners of Alamo Drafthouse and women presumably again at the event’s helm, that landmark moment will prove a pivotal time for The Debates. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Food and Beverage Orchids Restaurant Overlooking the private gardens of Hayfield Manor, Orchids Restaurant, helmed by Head Chef Mark Staples, has developed a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Cork. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

There’s also a Dior spa and a trio of notable restaurants helmed by celebrated chefs — Martin Berasategui, Jean Imbert, and Angelo Musa. —Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 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