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Definition of helmsman
helmsman
/ˈhɛlmzmən/
Plural:helmsmen
helmsman Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
2
helmsman Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A person who steers a ship, boat, or other watercraft.
Example
"The experienced helmsman held the vessel steady as it navigated through the narrow, rocky channel."
2
A leader or guiding figure in an organization, movement, or enterprise.
Example
"After the sudden resignation of the founder, the board of directors searched for a capable new helmsman to guide the company through the transition."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for helmsman Antonyms
View all antonyms for helmsman• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 17th century as a compound of "helm" (from Old English "helma", meaning a rudder or tiller) and "man".
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Helmsman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/helmsman