helm

1 of 4

noun (1)

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)

helm

4 of 4

verb (2)

helmed; helming; helms

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a helmet

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Julian Klausner, who took the creative helm at Dries Van Noten at the end of last year, will present his first menswear collection on Thursday, following his first womenswear show for the label in March. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 Starbucks has long been plagued by questions about its succession, given Schultz's former willingness to return to the helm of the company. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 June 2025
Verb
The studio has already brought two young Thai female directors into the fold, helming two features: The Great Esarn Heist, (directed by Cantana Tiprachart); and Songkhram Songkran, (the directorial debut of Pisinee Khaosamai). Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 June 2025 All four studios are divisions of Universal Studio Group, helmed by Pearlena Igbokwe. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for helm

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of helm was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helm. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

helm

1 of 2 noun

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

More from Merriam-Webster on helm

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