helmet

noun hel·met \ ˈhel-mət \

Updated on: 24 Apr 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

Even the rules in the NFL like limits on contact in practice and a recent rule change to outlaw leading with the helmet are only small steps.

— josh dubow, The Christian Science Monitor, "Former NFL player Chris Borland helps athletes and veterans adjust to retirement," 20 Apr. 2018
Their armor is a weird mix of various Imperial armors: the helmet is a lot like that of the shoretroopers from Rogue One, while the chest looks a lot like that of a snowtrooper from Empire Strikes Back.

— andrew liptak, The Verge, "Let’s break down the new trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story," 9 Apr. 2018
Murtaja was wearing a helmet and a protective jacket when he was shot, according to multiple journalists that saw him.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "Palestinian journalist killed under Israeli fire in Gaza," 7 Apr. 2018
Campus police, wearing helmets and riot masks, ended the clash.

— annie martin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Controversial conservative Charlie Kirk to speak at UCF," 6 Apr. 2018
With Oh, adept at playing characters who toggle between icy pragmatism and primal heat (who can forget that scene in Sideways with the motorcycle helmet and Thomas Haden Church's nose?) she's found a perfect collaborator.

— julia felsenthal, Vogue, "For Sandra Oh, Killing Eve Was a Very Long Time Coming," 5 Apr. 2018
Bill, 46, sports all-black, including a beanie, while son Duke — who is on skis — wears a red, grey and black outfit, lime green snow gloves, a grey helmet and blue snow goggles.

— natalie stone, PEOPLE.com, "Giuliana and Bill Rancic Celebrate Easter on the Slopes After Listing Chicago Home for $6.8M," 2 Apr. 2018
Drivers must have proper safety gear, including a helmet and neck brace.

— don sweeney, sacbee, "A 75-year-old amateur drag racer dies when his 1976 Ford Pinto hits a wall at 100 mph | The Sacramento Bee," 29 Mar. 2018
The Calvert Hall lacrosse jersey easily stretched to the ground, and when the helmet was on, every bit of 4-year-old Jacob Kelly was buried in the home team’s colors.

— glenn graham, baltimoresun.com, "With deep lacrosse roots, Calvert Hall star Jacob Kelly the latest to blossom on family tree," 17 Mar. 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

HELMET Defined for English Language Learners

helmet

noun

Definition of helmet for English Language Learners

: a hard hat that is worn to protect your head

HELMET Defined for Kids

helmet

noun hel·met \ ˈhel-mət \

Definition of helmet for Students

: a protective covering for the head

Learn More about helmet

See words that rhyme with helmet Spanish Central: Translation of helmet Nglish: Translation of helmet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of helmet for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helmet

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up helmet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

helmet

Definition of helmet

helmeted

helmetlike

Recent Examples of helmet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of helmet

HELMET Defined for English Language Learners

helmet

Definition of helmet for English Language Learners

HELMET Defined for Kids

helmet

Definition of helmet for Students

Learn More about helmet

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Bee Cubed

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

helmet

Definition of helmet

helmeted

helmetlike

Recent Examples of helmet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of helmet

HELMET Defined for English Language Learners

helmet

Definition of helmet for English Language Learners

HELMET Defined for Kids

helmet

Definition of helmet for Students

Learn More about helmet

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes