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

Social media videos have popped up showing young women on scooters wearing helmets, but no headscarves. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Ted Hurst smacked him on the helmet, but Delane kept his cool and did not respond. — Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Neither person on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to police. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Wide receiver Roc Taylor caught a TD pass practically off a Jacksonville defender’s helmet. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 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