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

A recent post featured medieval knights wearing chain mail and helmets and wielding longswords as they encircle the slogan “The Enemies are at the Gates” above ICE’s job listing website.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The French driver lost control and smacked the barriers heavily, hitting his helmet in anger at the error that ended his session.

Read more on Barron's

From there, he casually walked off the mound and traded his glove for a bat and a helmet without even entering the dugout.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The jury was shown a short video Stewart posted of himself wearing a German army helmet, a Nazi armband and a skull face covering.

Read more on BBC

She wore a dark-coloured helmet and navy blue clothing, and contrasting with the light-coloured surface of the concrete road, had a bright orange race number on her back.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• armor 
• hard hat 
• hat