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

Costs of jet fuel are spiraling, along with more esoteric commodities such as helium. —Matt Peterson, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026

The war also has disrupted world supplies of helium, a byproduct of natural gas and a key input in chipmaking, rockets and medical imaging. —ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

Indeed, Mideast oil and gas is used to make petrochemicals, fertilizer, and even helium, which is critical to chipmaking. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical transit route not just for oil, but also liquefied natural gas, fertilizers, helium and aluminum – all of which Russia produces in vast quantities. —Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 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