helmsman

[ helmz-muhn ]

noun

, plural helms·men.

1. a person who steers a ship; helmsperson.

helmsman

/ ˈhɛlmzmən /

noun

1. the person at the helm who steers the ship; steersman

Other Words From

• helms·man·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of helmsman¹

First recorded in 1615–25; helm ¹ + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

If that’s not your speed, Siam Station is a beloved local Thai street food spot where you can tuck into a hearty pad thai or khao soi, while Helmsman Ale House has fish and chips, wings and a short rib sandwich.

From Los Angeles Times

It pitched left, then right, then the rudder was wrenched from his grasp; and now he was no longer a helmsman but a stunned passenger on a bit of flotsam at the mercy of the rampaging water.

From Literature

He also played China against the Soviet Union with secret talks with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, which led to the ground-breaking 1972 summit between Nixon and Communist China’s “Great Helmsman,” Mao Zedong.

From Washington Times

But Burling, the two-time reigning America’s Cup champion helmsman, got caught in traffic in the 10-boat fleet and copped a penalty for not keeping clear of Emirates Great Britain.

From Washington Times

Navy tanker during World War I. The helmsman made repeated trips across the Atlantic through submarine-infested waters.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• pilot