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.
As Randy Orton Returns Cody Rhodes walked out with a helmet and entrance inspired by Guile of Street Fighter. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The Red Sox held out All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras, who had concussion testing after he was hit by a pitch on the side of his helmet Friday night. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 After one such strikeout Riley slammed his batting helmet to the ground, threw his bat aside and dropped his batting gloves in disgust. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 Tuipulotu, who was a full participant in minicamp, did individual work off to the side during Wednesday’s practice and was in general workout attire rather than in a helmet, jersey and football pants like his teammates. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Nglish: Translation of helmet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helmet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All