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

Her hair, wrapped in a long braid, is tucked in her helmet. —Alexa Stone updated March 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

The woman is then harnessed to the rope cable and given a safety helmet to wear. —Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026

People are buying helmets, face masks, vests and beds that emit long-wavelength light. —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

Elon scored with fries and a souvenir helmet, but all the food left quite a hole in his cousin's wallet. —Andrea Nakano, CBS News, 26 Mar. 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