helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
Synonyms of helmetnext
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
ˈhel-mə-təd How to pronounce helmet (audio)
adjective
helmetlike
ˈhel-mət-ˌlīk How to pronounce helmet (audio)
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.
Scary moment The game was delayed several minutes early in the third quarter after Northwestern offensive lineman Jackson Carsello appeared to take a teammate’s knee to his helmet at the end of a play. — Scott Held, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 Parton was threaded into the rhythm of the game — tucked onto helmets, written across the field and sung during stoppages. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 It was announced ahead of the game that one of the tributes to Parton — an orange butterfly decal with her name on it — would be on the back of every Volunteers player's helmet. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 This provides room for larger single-piece prints like helmets, aircraft, and other display pieces shown in the campaign. — New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing helmet

Browse Nearby Words

Helmand
helmet
helmet bird
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helmet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helmet. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
-ˌlīk How to pronounce helmet (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helmet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for helmet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helmet

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