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

Two racers later, Norway’s Marte Monsen lost her helmet and had to be taken off on a sled after a hard fall just before the finish. —Zack Pierce, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Witnesses of the incident told TMZ at the time that Jolie-Pitt, who was not wearing a helmet, experienced hip pain afterward and seemingly sustained a head injury. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

Players slip on shoulder pads, helmets and cleats and go through a series of drills and game-like situations to recapture a glimmer of their football past. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Both videos capture the rear door of the SUV swinging open and an immigration officer wearing a gas mask and helmet getting out. —Michael Biesecker, Fortune, 29 Jan. 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