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Added 8 October 2026

helm

/hɛlm/ noun

In Latin: gubernāculum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about helm at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to steer the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel.
The use of a helm (sense 1); also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned. The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman.
The use of a helm (sense 1); also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned.

verb

To control the helm (noun sense 1) of (a marine vessel); to be in charge of steering (a vessel).
To direct or lead (a project, etc.); to manage (an organization).

noun

A helmet.
A shelter for cattle or other farm animals; a hemmel, a shed. A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain, especially one associated with a storm. The crown or top of something. The upper part or cap of an alembic or retort.
A shelter for cattle or other farm animals; a hemmel, a shed.

verb

To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.

Origin

The noun is derived from Middle English helm, helme (“tiller of a ship”), from Old English helma (“helm, tiller”), from Proto-Germanic *helmô (“handle; helm, tiller”), either from Proto-Indo-European *ḱel- (“to cover”) or from the same source as haulm and helm (“bentgrass, straw”) (see below), Proto-Indo-European *ḱélh₂-m(on)- (“reed, hollow stalk”), one form of which then developed a specialized meaning “handle” in Germanic. The verb is derived from the noun. Cognates * German Holm (“beam”) * Old Norse hjálm

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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