1. a person who steers a ship or boat
Usage: nautical; also called a steersman
2. a person who leads or directs an organization, movement, or country
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The helmsman carefully navigated the ship through the narrow strait.
• The experienced helmsman kept the boat steady in rough waters.
• The captain appointed a new helmsman to take the wheel.
• As the nation's helmsman, the president set the country's course.
• The helmsman of the company guided it through the financial crisis.
• During the storm, the helmsman worked tirelessly to keep the vessel on course.