# Elmo

/ˈɛɫmoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elmo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a helmet or a piece of head protection. In very old stories, it is the word used for the metal hat a knight wears in battle.

For teachers: a helmet or headpiece, particularly one used in a historical or heraldic context. Archaic in general usage; primarily encountered in medieval literature or poetry.

## Examples

- The knight polished his elmo before the tournament.
- The museum display featured a rusted elmo recovered from the site of a fourteenth-century battle.
- In the epic poem, the hero's elmo was described as being forged from silver and topped with a plume of white feathers to signify his noble rank.

## Usage notes

- Archaic; modern English uses 'helmet' in almost all contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.