helmet

noun

hel·​met ˈhel-mət How to pronounce helmet (audio)
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 adjective
helmetlike 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.
Other features here include customized fit with a design that works alongside cycling helmets, IP67 dust and water resistance, open-ear speakers with loud audio, better microphone tech, and up to nine hours of battery life. PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025 Unlike the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, the new model contains a button on the underside of its frames so that athletes who wear helmets can more easily capture photos and videos. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 That was apparent when, in one game, the Panthers were winning by 40 and Deon took his helmet off and began to dance on the field. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Moreover, the glasses are designed to be comfortably worn for longer workouts and with cycling helmets or hats and replaceable nose pads. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helmet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helmet. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helmet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!