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

Some fought with only a trident; some fought mounted on horseback; some on chariot; others on foot with helmet and short sword; some with two daggers; still others exclusively fought wild beasts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Tigri, grim-faced in body armor, stood next to Samary, slightly comical with his helmet askew and rifle hanging from a sling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

"You're almost on something with the equivalent speed of a motorised vehicle, but not wearing a motorbike helmet," Burns says, noting that motorbike riders typically wear other protective gear such as leathers and gloves.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

A lot of it has to do with what’s going on inside the helmet, and Mikaela Shiffrin hinted at that after a disappointing finish this week in the slalom portion of the women’s combined.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

His curly brown hair was matted around the sides and back from weeks of being crammed under that hat, or perhaps a helmet.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• armor
• hard hat
• hat