helm

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈhelm 

1

a

: a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship for steering

broadly : the entire apparatus for steering a ship

b

: position of the helm with respect to the amidships position

turn the helm hard alee

2

: a position of control : head

A new dean is at the helm of the medical school.

helm

2 of 4

verb (1)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

1

: to direct (a ship) with a lever or wheel that controls the rudder : to direct (a ship) with or as if with a helm (see helm entry 1 sense 1a) : steer

helming a schooner

2

: direct, control

The director has helmed many action movies.

helm

3 of 4

noun (2)

: helmet sense 1

helm

4 of 4

verb (2)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a helmet

Synonyms of helm

Noun (1)

• head
• chair
• forefront
• top
• rein(s)

Verb (1)

• steer
• pilot

Examples of helm in a Sentence

Noun (1)

with a blind person at the helm, the city has made a lot of improvements for the physically challenged

Verb (1)

a treacherous route for any weekend sailor just learning to helm his vessel

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Mercury advanced to the WNBA Finals last season, Tibbetts’ second at the helm, where they were swept by the Las Vegas Aces. —Annie Costabile, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

While statements attributed to him have been released, he has not been seen publicly since purportedly taking the helm in Tehran. —CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

Powell’s term helming the central bank is set to expire on May 15, and Warsh appeared before the Senate Banking Committee for a confirmation hearing earlier this week. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

And now, with a myriad of buzzy new restaurants helmed by some of France’s top chefs and curious creatives from around the world eager to experiment with the territory’s rich ingredients, Biarritz is becoming an epicure’s paradise in its own right. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb (1)

Middle English helme, from Old English helma; akin to Old High German helmo tiller

Noun (2) and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing helm

• at the helm
• take the helm

Rhymes for helm

• elm
• realm
• overwhelm

Kids Definition

helm

1 of 2 noun

ˈhelm 

: helmet sense 1

helm

2 of 2 noun

1

: a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship

also : the steering equipment of a ship

2

: a position of control : head

at the helm of the business