helm Meaning & Definition
What Does Helm Mean?
Helm is used as a noun meaning 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. It can also mean 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. As a verb, it means To control the helm (noun sense 1) of (a marine vessel); to be in charge of steering (a vessel). As a verb, it means To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.
Word Facts for Helm
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //hɛlm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | helmsman, tiller and wheel |
| Plural | helms |
| Verb forms | helms, helming, helmed |
Helm Definition (Noun)
- 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.
- The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman.
- Something used to control or steer; also , a handle of a tool or weapon; a haft, a helve.
- A position of control or leadership.
the helm of the Commonwealth
- One in the position of controlling or directing; a controller, a director, a guide.
Helm as a 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.
- 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.
Verb
- To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.
Noun
- A stalk of corn, or stalks of corn collectively (that is, straw), especially when bundled together or laid out straight to be used for thatching roofs.
- Alternative form of haulm (“the stems of various cultivated plants, left after harvesting the crop, which are used as animal food or litter, or for thatching”).
- Synonym of bentgrass (“any of numerous reedy grass species of the genus Agrostis”)
Verb
- To lay out (stalks of corn, or straw) straight to be used for thatching roofs; to yelm.
Noun
- The steering apparatus of a ship, especially the tiller or wheel.
- (maritime) The member of the crew in charge of steering the boat.
- A position of leadership or control.
the helm of the Commonwealth
- One at the place of direction or control; a guide; a director.
- A helve.
Verb
- To be a helmsman or a member of the helm; to be in charge of steering the boat.
- (by extension) To lead (a project, etc.).
Noun
- A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain.
Noun
- The stems of various cultivated plants, left after harvesting the crop to be used as animal litter or for thatching.
- An individual plant stem.
- Part of a harness; a hame.
Synonyms of Helm
Helm synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Helm
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Helm in a Sentence
the helm of the Commonwealth
Word Forms & Grammar
helm (plural helms)
helm (third-person singular simple present helms, present participle helming, simple past and past participle helmed)
helm (countable and uncountable, plural helms)
Words That Rhyme With Helm
Origin of Helm
Origin 1: The noun is derived from Middle English helm, helme (“tiller of a ship”),[1] from Old English helma (“helm, tiller”), from Proto-Germanic *helmô (“handle; helm, tiller”), either from Proto-Indo-European *ḱel- (“to cover”)[2] 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.[3]
Origin 2: The verb is derived from the noun.[4]
Origin 3: From Middle English helm (“helmet; crown of thorns of Jesus; warrior; inn or shop sign”) [and other forms],[5] from Old English helm (“helmet”), from Proto-West Germanic *helm, from Proto-Germanic *helmaz (“protective covering”), probably from Proto-Indo-European *ḱelmos, from the root *ḱel- (“to cover”).[6] Doublet of heaume and related to helmet.
Origin 4: From Middle English helmen, helmi (“to provide with a helmet; (figuratively) to cover; to protect”),[7] from Old English helmian (“to cover”), ġehelmian (“to cover with a helmet; to crown”), from (ġe- (prefix with an intensifying effect, or forming nouns or verbs denoting processes or results) +) helm (“helmet”) (see further at etymology 2) + -ian (suffix forming verbs from adjectives and nouns).[8]
How to Pronounce Helm
The standard pronunciation of helm is //hɛlm//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helm
Is helm a noun or a verb?
Helm is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for helm?
Words with a similar meaning to helm include helmsman, tiller and wheel. See the full list of helm synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of helm?
The plural of helm is helms.
What is the past tense of helm?
The past tense of helm is helmed. The present participle is helming.