helmet

American  

[hel-mit] / ˈhɛl mɪt /

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.

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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

• helmeted adjective
• helmetlike adjective
• unhelmeted adjective

Etymology

Origin of helmet

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

Example Sentences

This is why Mom used to add “bike helmet” to the storm list when she was little—a mattress over the bathtub only protects so far from blunt force trauma.

From Literature

I can feel it curling, lifting from my scalp, encasing my head in a wide, frizzy helmet.

From Literature

They are dressed as their favourite characters, with Conroy carrying an enormous replica shotgun, while his helmet was dumped on the floor nearby.

From BBC

“One of our fire captains tried to get in through a window and he has a melted helmet as a result.”

From Los Angeles Times

"They had some young people that didn't have access to bikes or helmets," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• armor
• hard hat
• hat