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

But underneath his helmet and now a headset, Vrabel is who he’s always been: a winner. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025

The Bucs receiver responded by hitting Lattimore hard enough to separate him from his helmet. —Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

The projectiles ricocheted off her backpack, and one even boomeranged against her helmet, clanking loudly on its metal surface. —Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025

Allen’s brown locks have remained thick and full, flowing from the back of this helmet while helping the Bills claim a fifth straight AFC East title and compiling record numbers. —Tim Graham, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 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