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

Mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a new framework that speeds up the design of shock-absorbing foam materials, used in everything from sports and military helmets to spacecraft landing struts. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

Other teams that are showcased on the walls, whether jerseys, helmets or other collectibles include the Lions, New York Giants, 49ers and Minnesota Vikings. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Earth-moving behemoths roll ponderously, men march about in hi-vis and helmets. —Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

As his profile began to grow on Grand Cayman, Santor became known for securing the best tables at restaurants and riding a scooter through island traffic, blithely ignoring suggestions to put on a helmet. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025

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