helm1

 
Pronunciation: /hɛlm/

noun

(the helm)
  • a tiller or wheel for steering a ship or boat: she stayed at the helm, alert for tankers the second mate took the helm
  • a position of leadership: the chairman is to step down after four years at the helm
  • Nautical a helmsman: he is a competent helm

verb

[with object]
  • steer (a boat or ship): he helmed a sailing vessel
  • manage (an organization): the magazine he helmed in the late eighties
  • chiefly North American direct (a film).

Derivatives

helmer

noun (chiefly North American)

Origin:

Old English helma; probably related to helve