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

That’s just the state of American sports But this isn’t just a problem related to 6-foot giants in gladiator-esque helmets and cleats. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026

At +30%, Olave will vie for WR1, and that concussion helmet is something all his managers should be happy about. — Michael Salfino, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Based on death certificates alone, a total of 1,712 people who played at least one NFL game since helmets became compulsory in 1949 died between 2008 and 2021. — Mike McRae 15, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026

The Broncos will be in their (mostly) all-white uniforms, and that includes their team’s helmets. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 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