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

In footage described by G1 and Folha de Pernambuco, de Freitas can be seen wearing a helmet as staff members carry her toward the edge of the bridge before throwing her over. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Minicamp rules are the same as OTAs, which ended last Thursday — players wear jerseys and helmets, but no shoulder pads or live contact is permitted. —Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 June 2026

Footage shared online shows two men in white helmets launching her into a 40-meter (130-foot) abyss. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

The Horned Frogs will wear a purple helmet with the all-black uniform featuring the Horned Frog mascot holding a four-leaf clover in its mouth. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 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