noun
helmsman
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
Word Forms
helmsmen plural
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The _____ kept the boat steady through the rough waves.
Etymology
From "helm" (a ship's steering wheel) plus "man."