helmet

hel-met · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A protective covering for the head, typically made of hard material, worn by soldiers, motorcyclists, athletes, and workers.

  2. 2.

    A piece of armor for the head, historically worn by warriors and knights.

  3. 3.

    Something resembling a helmet in shape or function.

Forms

plural: helmets

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    helmet law — legislation requiring helmets to be worn in certain activities
  • •
    put on one's thinking helmet — (humorous) to prepare to think carefully

Related words

See also: armor, headgear, helm, protection
Synonyms: crash helmet, hard hat, headgear

Etymology

From Old French helmet, diminutive of helme ("helm"), from Frankish helm, from Proto-Germanic helmaz ("protective covering").