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

Check It Out, 2022, consists of an educational program on anger management that plays on a spherical red television set recalling a space helmet. —Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Waits, who was not wearing a helmet, went off the road and laid the motorcycle over, the release stated. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

Then a small figure in a blue batting helmet emerged from the dugout and buried himself in Cholowsky’s stomach, clinching both arms around his waist. —Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 June 2026

After Eli Manning threw an interception against the Washington Redskins in 2016, Beckham swung his helmet at a kicking net, which returned with a shot in the face. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

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