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

While semiconductor makers have benefited from the AI boom, the war in the Middle East has clouded the outlook, disrupting supplies of key materials such as helium that are crucial to chipmaking and pushing up energy costs. —ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Twenty percent of the world’s oil trade transits through the strait, along with other critical commodities such as fertilizer, helium, and sulfur. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

The recent Iran conflict has also highlighted its vulnerability to the global helium supply. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

The war is also threatening the world's supply of helium and aluminum, key materials used in products such as semiconductor chips, medical equipment and other everyday goods. —CBS News, 22 Apr. 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