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DictionaryhelmShip steering
noun / verb

helm

HELM/helm/

The mechanism used to steer a vessel.

The captain grips the helm as the boat enters the harbor.

A sailor grips the ship's wheel and turns it while the vessel changes direction across the water.
Etymology
helmOld Englishrudder; guidance, control

Helma named a rudder as well as a position of guidance or control. Being at the helm thus connects directing a group with steering a ship.

In context

Edmunds Cars presenter5:11
You can totally tell the designer's at the helm of it.
Fisker Ocean First Look | All-New All-Electric SUV From Famed Automaker | Release, Interior, & More
CUNY TV presenter14:50
Being at the helm of a university,
Grand Strategy for the Campus Commons and Beyond - Elizabeth Bradley | The Open Mind

More examples

  • She takes the helm while I adjust the sails.
  • He helms the sailboat through the narrow channel.
  • The wooden helm turns smoothly in either direction.

Forms

helm · helms · helmed · helming

helmsman noun — A person who steers a vessel.

Similar words

tiller
A steering lever, rather than a wheel or complete mechanism.
wheel
A circular steering control, also used in vehicles on land.