helm

[ helm ]

/ hɛlm /

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See synonyms for: helm / helmed / helming on Thesaurus.com

noun

Nautical.

a wheel or tiller by which a ship is steered.
the entire steering apparatus of a ship.
the angle with the fore-and-aft line made by a rudder when turned: 15-degree helm.

the place or post of control: A stern taskmaster was at the helm of the company.

verb (used with object)

to steer; direct.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of helm

First recorded before 900; Middle English helm(e), Old English helma; cognate with Middle High German halme, helm “handle,” Old Norse hjalm “rudder”

OTHER WORDS FROM helm

helmless, adjective

Other definitions for helm (2 of 2)

helm²

[ helm ]

/ hɛlm /

noun

Also heaume. Also called great helm . a medieval helmet, typically formed as a single cylindrical piece with a flat or raised top, completely enclosing the head.

Archaic. a helmet.

verb (used with object)

to furnish or cover with a helmet.

Origin of helm

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch, German helm; akin to Old English helan “to cover”; see origin at hull¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use helm in a sentence

However, the issue is also highly relevant because a new generation of CEOs has recently taken over at the helm of some of the largest global pharma companies.
Big Pharma’s new CEOs must step up to erase inequities in drug access|matthewheimer|December 15, 2020|Fortune
Despite Kathleen Kennedy being at the helm of Lucasfilm, men have dominated the director’s chair throughout the theatrical history of Star Wars.
The four most exciting projects from Disney’s stunning announcement — yes, including Hayden as Darth Vader|Michael Cavna|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
In other words, with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have the most dynamic offense taking the field today, with the two best quarterback and receiver combinations.
Tyreek Hill once thought Patrick Mahomes was ‘trash.’ Now they’re the NFL’s deadliest duo.|Cindy Boren, Neil Greenberg|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
A new administration that places public health at the helm, once again, will I hope prove to us that health is not just something that can be protected under an authoritarian government, but is in fact a right for all.
China Beat The Coronavirus With Science And Strong Public Health Measures, Not Just With Authoritarianism|LGBTQ-Editor|November 23, 2020|No Straight News

In his second season at the helm, head coach Manny Diaz has his team 2-0 and firmly ranked in the top 15 in the AP and Coaches polls.
Can The Miami Hurricanes Keep This Up?|Josh Planos|September 23, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
During the mid-to-late 1980s, he went on an absolute tear, helming a plethora of irresistible entertainments.
Rob Reiner on the State of Romcoms, ‘The Princess Bride’s’ Alternate Ending, and the Red Viper|Marlow Stern|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I had no trouble signing the nudity rider because I knew that Andrew Haigh was helming the show.
‘Looking’ Star Jonathan Groff Talks About His Big Gay TV Show. (And Whether We Should Call It That.)|Kevin Fallon|January 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So who is the woman helming one of the most hotly anticipated films in recent memory?
Meet ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Director Sam Taylor-Johnson: The Cancer-Surviving Badass|Marlow Stern|June 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Last season, Elbaz celebrated his 10th anniversary helming Lanvin with a blow-out of a party and a big show.
Raf’s Ready-to-Wear Debut at Dior|Robin Givhan|September 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
While they were sitting at their drink in came Sigurd Helming to see if Gunnar was there.
Frey and His Wife|Maurice Henry Hewlett
A northern white-footed mouse was caught alive by the Helming boys in an orchard on July 16.
The Mammals of Warren Woods, Berrien County, Michigan|Lee Raymond Dice
In another wheat field the Helming boys picked up a prairie vole.
The Mammals of Warren Woods, Berrien County, Michigan|Lee Raymond Dice
Sigurd Helming was one of those who followed Olaf's example, and went down into the water.
Frey and His Wife|Maurice Henry Hewlett
But Sigurd Helming looked down at his finger-nails with his brows drawn up very high, and said nothing at all.
Frey and His Wife|Maurice Henry Hewlett

British Dictionary definitions for helm (1 of 2)

helm¹

/ (hɛlm) /

noun

nautical

the wheel, tiller, or entire apparatus by which a vessel is steered
the position of the helm: that is, on the side of the keel opposite from that of the rudder

a position of leadership or control (esp in the phrase at the helm)

verb

(tr) to direct or steer

Derived forms of helm

helmless, adjective

Word Origin for helm

Old English helma; related to Old Norse hjalm rudder, Old High German halmo

British Dictionary definitions for helm (2 of 2)

helm²

/ (hɛlm) /

noun

an archaic or poetic word for helmet

verb

(tr) archaic, or poetic to supply with a helmet

Word Origin for helm

Old English helm; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hjalmr, Gothic hilms, Old High German helm helmet, Sanskrit śárman protection

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with helm

helm

see at the helm.

helm

Origin of helm

OTHER WORDS FROM helm

Other definitions for helm (2 of 2)

Origin of helm

Words related to helm

How to use helm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for helm (1 of 2)

Derived forms of helm

Word Origin for helm

British Dictionary definitions for helm (2 of 2)

Word Origin for helm

Other Idioms and Phrases with helm