helm

1 of 2

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

2 of 2

verb (2)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a helmet

Synonyms of helm

Verb (1)

• steer
• pilot

Examples of helm in a Sentence

Verb (1)

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Now, the 27-year-old is running her Investment Baker socials followed by tens of thousands of users, helming her cake business, and pursuing her MBA at Northwestern. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 June 2026

Leña, meanwhile, will be helmed by chef Dani García, who will serve live-fire dishes at the steakhouse. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 June 2026

That project never came to fruition and after other rumors drifted around Tinsel Town, Michael Bay came into the picture in 2018 with a notion of helming his own Lobo movie that never transpired. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 6 June 2026

The information could give investors some insight into the path forward for interest rates, especially given that the first Federal Reserve meeting helmed by Kevin Warsh will take place the following week. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

and Verb (2)

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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