helmet
Americannoun
-
any of various forms of protective head covering worn by soldiers, firefighters, divers, cyclists, etc.
-
medieval armor for the head.
-
(in fencing, singlestick, etc.) a protective device for the head and face consisting of reinforced wire mesh.
-
anything resembling a helmet in form or position.
noun
-
a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc
-
biology a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of helmet
1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French healmet, helmet, diminutive of helme helm 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They were developed by the Army to penetrate a steel helmet from a faraway distance.
From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026
He spun his helmet behind him as he jogged toward the center of the field, ready for the celebration that would meet him there.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
Erling Haaland stood on the pitch in Dallas, a goofy grin across his face and a Viking helmet atop his head at a jaunty angle.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
Her grandson Alessandro, 23, donned a volunteer firefighter's helmet and joined in the search for his missing father.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
I pull on my suit and grab the helmet hanging behind my seat.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
![]()
The first day used to be so chaotic and humorous in the old days, with players not knowing how to put on helmets let alone figure out shoulder pads and struggling in line drills.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
If privately owned e-scooters are legalised for public use, Carly believes, there should be mandatory helmets, a ban on carrying passengers and penalties for parents that allow children to ride illegally.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
In a theatrical touch, around two dozen soldiers wearing historic-style suits of armour, pointed helmets and what appeared to be fake beards and moustaches stood outside the palace itself.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
He believes they are more conscious of looking after their hearing, and wants a future where music fans view ear protection in the same way skiers see helmets.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Shawn shouted when the beam was in place, then they nodded their helmets down and began to weld.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.