helmet
Americannoun
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any of various forms of protective head covering worn by soldiers, firefighters, divers, cyclists, etc.
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medieval armor for the head.
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(in fencing, singlestick, etc.) a protective device for the head and face consisting of reinforced wire mesh.
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anything resembling a helmet in form or position.
noun
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a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc
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biology a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers
Other Word Forms
- helmeted adjective
- helmetlike adjective
- unhelmeted adjective
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.
BAYSARIYEH, Lebanon — The coffin of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil floated above the crowd, draped in the red, white and green of the Lebanese flag, with Khalil’s press vest and helmet balanced on top.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
Made of 15-karat gold, this helmet is believed to have been worn by an early Sumerian ruler.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
On his desk there's a green-feathered helmet associated with the Shia warrior Husayn ibn Ali, who features in several of their videos.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
He grabbed his brush jacket, helmet and gloves and climbed over.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
I glance at Suma, helmet tucked under her arm.
From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera
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.
