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

In the space of a few minutes, the viewer is whipsawed between the whir of a pit crew member’s wheel gun and the exuberant announcers to the crowd doing the wave and to the drivers speaking on helmet microphones. —Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Olszewski twisted while getting tackled by Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu, causing Elliss to deliver a helmet-to-helmet hit. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

Nods to the hero that inspired it are sprinkled throughout, some are more obvious than others (like the conspicuous Iron Man helmet in the dining area – Stark was never known for his modesty). —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Kids should always wear helmets when riding on a toboggan. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 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