helm

¹ American  

[helm] / hɛlm /

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. a wheel or tiller by which a ship is steered.

   2. the entire steering apparatus of a ship.

   3. the angle with the fore-and-aft line made by a rudder when turned.

      15-degree helm.

2. the place or post of control.

   A stern taskmaster was at the helm of the company.

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verb (used with object)

1. to steer; direct.

helm ² American  

[helm] / hɛlm /

noun

1. Also called great helm.  Also a medieval helmet, typically formed as a single cylindrical piece with a flat or raised top, completely enclosing the head.

2. Archaic. a helmet.

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verb (used with object)

1. to furnish or cover with a helmet.

helm ¹ British  

/ hɛlm /

noun

1. nautical

   1. the wheel, tiller, or entire apparatus by which a vessel is steered

   2. the position of the helm: that is, on the side of the keel opposite from that of the rudder

2. a position of leadership or control (esp in the phrase at the helm )

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verb

1. (tr) to direct or steer

helm ² British  

/ hɛlm /

noun

1. an archaic or poetic word for helmet

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verb

1. archaic (tr) to supply with a helmet

helm Idioms  

1. see at the helm.

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Other Word Forms

• helmless adjective

Etymology

Origin of helm¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English helm(e), Old English helma; cognate with Middle High German halme, helm “handle,” Old Norse hjalm “rudder”

Origin of helm²

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch, German helm; akin to Old English helan “to cover”; hull ¹

Example Sentences

Hicks was deferential to the Democratic candidates who have long served in public office and have compelling personal tales and the experience to take the helm of the state.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the Brazilian's fifth goal in his last four games across all competitions, having found his best form since Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso at the helm in January.

From Barron's

A childhood friend that Xi called his “big brother,” Zhang rose to prominence following the initial waves of dismissals—a move seen as placing a trusted ally at the helm of the military.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spurs will have Igor Tudor at the helm and they will hope he can give them the 'new manager bounce' to add to the Gunners' misery.

From BBC

Luxury agent Nathaniel Pichon-Getzels, who helms The Getzels Group, notes that Jenner’s “strategy is obviously not driven by urgency,” which may well indicate why she has hesitated to lower her asking price.

From MarketWatch