helmet

noun hel·met \ ˈhel-mət \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of helmet

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

play \ˈhel-mə-təd\ adjective

—

helmetlike

play \ˈhel-mət-ˌlīk\ adjective

See helmet defined for English-language learners

See helmet defined for kids

Recent Examples of helmet from the Web

The protective black helmet on Danny’s head has become a constant accessory because of concerns over the softness of his skull, which won’t completely heal for six to eight months.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Operating on Danny Farquhar's brain didn't change what was in White Sox pitcher's heart," 12 July 2018
The original play call may come in through the helmet, but since the radio is turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock, someone on the sideline can signal in an audible fairly easily.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Like It or Not, College Football Is Influencing the NFL," 12 July 2018
Information relevant to the flight at any particular time is presented on touchscreens in the cockpit and as images projected within the pilot’s helmet.

— The Economist, "Tomorrow’s squadron leaders will be accompanied by drones," 5 July 2018
These were so much cooler when they were paired with the faux leather helmets.

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "Every NFL team's best alternate uniform, ranked," 3 July 2018
The Marlins gifted the second run when catcher J.T. Realmuto tried to pick Frazier off third and his throw glanced off the runner’s helmet.

— craig davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Mets cash in repeatedly with two-out runs to sink Straily, Marlins," 1 July 2018
The winged helmet made people like Denard Robinson, not the other way around.

— nick baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "It's time: Allow college athletes to make money off their names," 16 May 2018
Everybody out there who's got issues, everybody who has got their tinfoil hat on that the white helmets did it, and Russia said the British did the chemical attack.

— Fox News, "What does the US accomplish by striking Syria?," 13 Apr. 2018
The impromptu parade included a girl in a pink helmet, a boy with yellow handlebars, and a bearded hipster with dreadlocks flowing in the summer breeze.

— sarah gish, kansascity, "Will Kansas City ever be bike-friendly? The city is about to roll out a plan," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helmet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of helmet

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year