noun
helmsman
Helmsman (noun) means the person who steers a ship. Example: “The helmsman kept the boat steady through the rough waves.”
noun
1
The person who steers a ship.
"The helmsman kept the boat steady through the rough waves."
2
Figuratively, someone who leads or guides an organization or effort.
"As helmsman of the party, he set its direction for a decade."
How to use helmsman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe crew member who steers the ship — or, figuratively, whoever is "steering" a group or effort.
Common pairings
the ship's helmsman
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like helmsman.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- helmsmen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ kept the boat steady through the rough waves.
Etymology
From "helm" (a ship's steering wheel) plus "man."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “helmsman” mean?
The word “helmsman” means the person who steers a ship. In plain terms, the crew member who steers the ship — or, figuratively, whoever is "steering" a group or effort.
How do you use “helmsman” in a sentence?
Here is “helmsman” used in a sentence: “The helmsman kept the boat steady through the rough waves.”
What part of speech is “helmsman”?
“Helmsman” is a noun.
How many meanings does “helmsman” have?
“Helmsman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the person who steers a ship.
