The helm of a boat or ship is the part that is used to steer it.
I got into our dinghy while Willis took the helm and positioned the boat for thephotograph.
Synonyms: tiller, wheel, rudder, steering gear More Synonyms of helm
2. singular noun
You can say that someone is at the helm when they are leading or running a country or organization.
He has been at the helm of Lonrho for 31 years.
He was just 24 when he took the helm of the family business.
helm in British English1
(hɛlm)
noun
1. nautical
a.
the wheel, tiller, or entire apparatus by which a vessel is steered
b.
the position of the helm: that is, on the side of the keel opposite from that of the rudder
2.
a position of leadership or control (esp in the phrase at the helm)
verb
3. (transitive)
to direct or steer
Derived forms
helmless (ˈhelmless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English helma; related to Old Norse hjalm rudder, Old High German halmo
helm in British English2
(hɛlm)
noun
1. an archaic or poetic word for helmet
verb
2. (transitive) archaic or poetic
to supply with a helmet
Word origin
Old English helm; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hjalmr, Gothic hilms, Old High German helm helmet, Sanskrit śárman protection
helm in American English1
(hɛlm)
noun
1.
a.
the wheel or tiller by which a ship or boat is steered
b.
the complete steering gear, including the wheel or tiller, rudder, etc.
2.
the control or leadership of an organization, government, etc.
verb transitive
3.
to guide; control; steer
Word origin
ME helme < OE helma, akin to Ger helm, handle < IE *(s)kelmo- < base *(s)kel-, to cut > shield, Gr skallein, to dig
helm in American English2
(hɛlm)
noun, verb transitive
OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic, Archaic
helmet
Word origin
ME < OE, protection, helmet, akin to Ger helm, helmet, OE helmian, to protect < IE base *el-, to cover, hide > hull2, L celare, to hide
Examples of 'helm' in a sentence
helm
The best man in the ship must take the helm.
Herman Melville Moby Dick (1901)
In the eight years since he took the helm of the world 's biggest drinks company, he has focused increasingly on premium brands that command premium prices.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In other languages
helm
British English: helm NOUN
The helm of a boat or ship is the part that is used to steer it.
I got into our dinghy while he took the helm and positioned the boat for the photograph.