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

Noun (1)

• chair
• driver's seat
• head
• headship
• rein(s)

Verb (1)

• conn
• con
• navigate
• pilot
• steer

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 Republican Party, with Trump at its helm, will be hoping to make much political capital from the allegations. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

At Sequoia’s helm for over 25 years, Leone led several notable investments for the firm, including familiar names like Palantir, ServiceNow, Nubank, Medallia, Snowflake, Wiz and RingCentral. —Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Verb

The modern Japanese restaurant is helmed by executive chef Junichi Yoshida, who brings his own Michelin pedigree to the InterContinental Danang from his experience at the first teppanyaki restaurant to ever receive a Michelin star. —Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

Season 4, subtitled Night Country, which starred Jodie Foster (who won an Emmy for her role) and Kali Reis, was helmed by Issa López, marking the first time franchise creator Pizzolatto was not involved (he was still credited as an EP). —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 May 2025

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