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

Derived Forms

• ˈhelmeted, adjective

Other Words From

• helmet·ed adjective
• helmet·like adjective
• un·helmet·ed 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

These goggles—in conjunction with a lightweight helmet, huge zippers on my ski pants, and air-permeable insulation layers—allow me to just rip off my skins, throw them in my pack, adjust my boots and bindings, and descend as fast as possible.

From Outside Online

Scientists from Kernel, a neurotech company near Los Angeles, have invented a helmet, just now hitting the market, that is essentially a portable brain scanner that can pick up activity in certain brain areas.

From Science News

Glancey’s attorney didn’t answer questions about which helmet the plaintiff bought, or when.

From Outside Online

In a melee at the West Terrace of the Capitol building, Fanone had his helmet removed and was dragged down a set of steps by rioters.

From Washington Post

City law requires users to wear helmets and have a driver’s license.

From Washington Post

Sweat poured from underneath his helmet and down the thin points of his sandy blond hair.

From The Daily Beast

The job done, Ryan went on to the next job with that thin black band around his helmet, as always.

From The Daily Beast

Luckily for us, Mr. Hennessey had been attempting to document his bike trip with a helmet-fastened GoPro camera.

From The Daily Beast

Your Advanced Combat Helmet weighs seven pounds and the back pads press furiously into the corners of your skull.

From The Daily Beast

Witnesses also reported seeing a man on a motorcycle with a rare helmet in the area shortly before the bodies were discovered.

From The Daily Beast

The Spaniard was standing in the dim light of the hall, dressed in sombre black armor; but the red plumes danced on his helmet.

From Project Gutenberg

Spitzhase had begun to feel very uncomfortable, for now the miner proceeded to adjust the glass helmet to his head.

From Project Gutenberg

A golden shield had he, and a gold-wrought helmet, & a short red kirtle over his shirt of mail.

From Project Gutenberg

It is clear from literary evidence that the helmet (helm) and coat of chain mail (byrne) were also in common use.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course we must do so for the future, though I hope to be able to borrow a Prussian helmet with luck before I come home again.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• armor
• hard hat
• hat