# helm vs hilt

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### helm
*noun · IPA /hɛlm/ · frequency rank #12,064*
The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to steer the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel.

### hilt
*noun · IPA /hɪlt/ · frequency rank #32,844*
The handle of a sword, consisting of grip, guard, and pommel, designed to facilitate use of the blade and afford protection to the hand.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/helm-vs-hilt