helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
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 adjective
helmetlike adjective

Examples of helmet in a Sentence

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.
Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets hands Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers his helmet in the second inning during Game One of the Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Tommy Hilfiger logo placement will grace technical gear such as the driver's suit, helmet and race car for the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, which was created by TWG Motorsports and General Motors. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 The website published video of Osment, wearing his ski helmet backward, allegedly holding up the line for a ski lift. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 His main rival is Hulk, who is as strong as him, and he is usually seen wearing a dark grey helmet with a horn, much like a real rhino. Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for helmet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of helmet was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helmet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helmet. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

helmet

noun
hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
1
: a covering or enclosing headpiece of armor
2
: any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material
helmetlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helmet

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