helmet

[hel-mit]

noun

1. any of various forms of protective head covering worn by soldiers, firefighters, divers, cyclists, etc.

2. medieval armor for the head.

3. (in fencing, singlestick, etc.) a protective device for the head and face consisting of reinforced wire mesh.

4. anything resembling a helmet in form or position.

helmet

/ ˈhɛlmɪt /

noun

1. a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc

2. biology a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers

Other Word Forms

• helmeted adjective
• helmetlike adjective
• unhelmeted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of helmet¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French healmet, helmet, diminutive of helme helm ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of helmet¹

C15: from Old French, diminutive of helme, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Security camera footage from January showed Ekkalak parking his motorbike, removing his helmet and walking calmly across the road before shots rang out.

From BBC

The court heard how the group of officers he was with initially wore baseball caps and had no riot helmets or shields, before putting on flame-retardant suits once missiles were being thrown.

From BBC

A number of drivers needed medical attention after the race, Frenchman Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet, and Williams driver Logan Sargeant retired because he could not cope with the conditions any longer.

From BBC

On a play-action pass, Chargers running back Najee Harris crumpled to the turf before the fake handoff could fully develop, immediately grabbing his left ankle and tossing aside his helmet in pain.

From Los Angeles Times

He had to learn plays needing 20 to 30 words to call from a listening device in his helmet where just four words were used to call plays at St. John Bosco.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• armor 
• hard hat 
• hat