helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
Synonyms of helmetnext
1
: a covering or enclosing headpiece of ancient or medieval armor see armor illustration
2
: any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact
3
: something resembling a helmet
helmeted
ˈhel-mə-təd How to pronounce helmet (audio)
adjective
helmetlike
ˈhel-mət-ˌlīk How to pronounce helmet (audio)
adjective

Examples of helmet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wallace's right shoulder made glancing contact with Brooks' helmet as the wide receiver was hitting the ground, enough for the officials to tack on 15 yards, putting the ball at the 29 with 41 seconds remaining. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Wearing a blue-and-red batting helmet, a warm-up jacket, and military fatigues, the Cuban leader watched as Chávez delivered a fastball that the umpire called strike three. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Oct. 2026 Later that season, Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims threw a right hook at him during a live game after Gardner-Johnson ripped Wims' mouthpiece off his helmet. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Georgia looked dominant in the opening minutes, even after Stockton had to leave after hitting the field helmet-first on the first play of the game. — Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helmet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of helme helmet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English helm helmet, Old High German helan to conceal — more at hell

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of helmet was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing helmet

Browse Nearby Words

Helmand
helmet
helmet bird
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helmet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helmet. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

helmet

noun
hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
1
: a covering or enclosing headpiece of armor
2
: any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material
helmetlike
-ˌlīk How to pronounce helmet (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helmet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for helmet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helmet

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