1 helm | Definition of helm

helm

noun (1)
\ ˈhelm How to pronounce helm (audio) \

Definition of helm

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1a : a lever or wheel controlling the rudder of a ship for steering broadly : the entire apparatus for steering a ship
b : position of the helm with respect to the amidships position turn the helm hard alee
2 : a position of control : head a new dean is at the helm of the medical school

helm

verb (1)
helmed; helming; helms

Definition of helm (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to direct (a ship) with a lever or wheel that controls the rudder : to direct (a ship) with or as if with a helm (see helm entry 1 sense 1a) : steer helming a schooner
2 : direct, control the director has helmed many action movies

helm

noun (2)

Definition of helm (Entry 3 of 4)

helm

verb (2)
helmed; helming; helms

Definition of helm (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a helmet

First Known Use of helm

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for helm

Noun (1) and Verb (1)

Middle English helme, from Old English helma; akin to Old High German helmo tiller

Noun (2) and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English

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More Definitions for helm

helm

noun
\ ˈhelm How to pronounce helm (audio) \

Kids Definition of helm

1 : a lever or wheel for steering a ship
2 : a position of control He took over the helm of the failing business.

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More from Merriam-Webster on helm

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with helm

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for helm

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Britannica English: Translation of helm for Arabic Speakers