helmet

American  

[hel-mit] / ˈhɛl mɪt /

noun

1. any of various forms of protective head covering worn by soldiers, firefighters, divers, cyclists, etc.

2. medieval armor for the head.

3. (in fencing, singlestick, etc.) a protective device for the head and face consisting of reinforced wire mesh.

4. anything resembling a helmet in form or position.

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helmet British  

/ ˈhɛlmɪt /

noun

1. a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc

2. biology a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers

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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

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

Wallick wears a helmet and a cup when he goes water skiing, after once taking a hit to the groin that knocked him off his skis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

They are dressed as their favourite characters, with Conroy carrying an enormous replica shotgun, while his helmet was dumped on the floor nearby.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Marquez capped a remarkable comeback from injury last year, winning his first championship since 2019 after a gruelling struggle that almost forced him to hang up his helmet.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Cat latched her helmet, looking at him carefully.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

Related Words

• armor
• hard hat
• hat