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

The players and cheerleaders traded shoulder pads, helmets and pom-poms for body armor and battlefield gear, stepping directly into a soldier's day-to-day reality. —Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Some are helmets signed by other NFL players, but there also are a lot of clothes, suits and shoes, including what appears to be a pair of Christian Louboutins. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Dec. 2025

That's because the Buccaneers (creamsicles) and Falcons (OG red helmet) will both be sporting classic throwback uniforms. —Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

In a decision-only meeting in August, the council considered imposing a bike helmet and exploring options of imposing speed limits on electric bike riders on city property, including sidewalks or trails. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025

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