helmet

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noun hel·met \ ˈhel-mət \

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

Nike unveiled special uniforms, with Michigan wearing all yellow with their classic yellow-and-blue helmets and Florida wearing all-blue uniforms.

— ethan bauer, miamiherald, "Mystery at quarterback surrounds Florida’s season opener against Michigan," 29 Aug. 2017
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick swung his helmet in disappointment after watching the trainers tend to Hitchens with 27 seconds left in the second quarter of the preseason game.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "Panic for Cowboys? Hitchens’ injury overshadows Elliott’s debut," 27 Aug. 2017
Blaze also appears on UAB's football helmets; the design was introduced in 1996, when the team first made its way into Division 1 football.

— AL.com, "Who is the state's best college football mascot? Check out our 12 favorites," 26 Aug. 2017
The helmet was comically large, punishing a slight 6-year-old’s neck.

— dan woike, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chargers find it's easy to measure King's ability," 19 Aug. 2017
Because her character didn't wear a helmet in the movie, Harris wasn't either.

— tess koman, Cosmopolitan, "[UPDATED] Stuntwoman Reportedly Killed on the Set of Deadpool 2," 14 Aug. 2017
As Leonard Floyd lay strapped to a backboard at MetLife Stadium last November, headed for an ambulance with the face mask cut from his helmet, the Bears' injury problems devolved from cruel joke to something more serious.

— rich campbell, chicagotribune.com, "Heads Up: Bears' Leonard Floyd confident he has fixed tackling technique," 31 July 2017
The Duke of Cambridge also helped his son try on a helmet.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince George Is So Overwhelmed By All of These Helicopters," 21 July 2017
Other notable taxable items: cosmetics, jewelry, sunglasses and eyeglasses, watches, hearing protectors, helmets, band instruments and wetsuits.

— leada gore, AL.com, "You can buy diapers tax free in Alabama this weekend," 19 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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HELMET Defined for English Language Learners

helmet

play

noun

Definition of helmet for English Language Learners

: a hard hat that is worn to protect your head

HELMET Defined for Kids

helmet

play

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

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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

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helmet

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helmeted

helmetlike

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Origin and Etymology of helmet

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Definition of helmet for English Language Learners

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helmet

Definition of helmet for Students

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