helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

ˈhēl-yəm

: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)

—often used before another noun

helium balloons

helium gas

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of helium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The overnight attack hit the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, which is part of a complex that also houses the only helium plant in Russia, the General Staff said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

Notably, Citi reminded investors that Linde has not baked any benefit from higher helium prices into its guidance. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 June 2026

Most critically, there are supply lines for helium and nitrogen, as well as 231 miles of paved roads and bridges that serve both Kennedy and Cape Canaveral. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026

Through it had passed about 20% of the world's oil, along with many other commodities, ranging from natural gas and fertilizer to helium. — Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hēlios

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for helium

• cilium

Kids Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons see element

Medical Definition

helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm 

: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research

—symbol He see Chemical Elements Table