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

Many of them spent part of college or high school using such a cap and have adjusted to its look, which is much more prominent than a regular helmet. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

For now, the helmet is available exclusively in a matte-carbon finish. — New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026

Mayfield emerged with a quarterback stat line that would have looked peculiar even in football’s leather-helmet era. — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

As rules analysts explained, that runoff is only required when the helmet coming off is the reason for the clock stoppage. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 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