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

Barclays branding will feature prominently on the FW48, Williams’ all-new challenger, and will also feature on the helmets of drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, team clothing, and throughout the team’s trackside garages and hospitality. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Duprey, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, lost control, sideswiped a tree and was thrown off the scooter, officials said. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

One Friday afternoon, Villaverde pulled up to the Metro Compton Station on her yellow Urtopia clad in a black helmet and reflective vest. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

Head-to-head A general view of the Seattle Seahawks helmet and New England Patriots helmet displayed in inside of the Levi’s Stadium prior to Super Bowl LX on February 4, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Feb. 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