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

Only jet in the world with a pilot helmet that provides all necessary flight information as a direct visual, allowing the pilot to maneuver without looking down at a display.

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Now the audience can not just watch the experiences of soldiers on the front line, but experience what they see and what they feel through the helmet cameras and the combination of different mediums...

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These were heavy suits with helmets into which air was pumped, allowing a person to breathe underwater.

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The boys each balanced a bushel on their soup-bowl helmets; the third bushel they carried between them by its handles.

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He wore khaki trousers tucked into tall leather boots, a safari jacket, and a pith helmet.

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Related Words

• armor 
• hard hat 
• hat