helmet

American  

[hel-mit] / ˈhɛl mɪt /

noun

helmets plural

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.

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helmet British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• helmeted
  adjective
• helmetlike
  adjective
• unhelmeted
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• helmets
  plural

Etymology

Origin of helmet

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

Example Sentences

Just don’t have Palmer play Jar Jar Binks’ father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin’s former roommate, please, because Dark Helmet already spent that punch line on Lone Starr back in 1987.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2025

There are some examples of this: a Christian female minister was appointed minister for social affairs, while head of the White Helmet civil defence group, became minister of emergencies and disasters.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2025

Helmet communication systems are likely coming to college football in 2024.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 6, 2024

Helmet inclusivity is important, Black equestrians said, because it could mean the difference between life and death.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2023

One screen has the words Helmet Cam written at the top and shows agents in gray suits raiding a haunted house.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• armor
• hard hat
• hat