1. A handle or a steering wheel by which a ship or boat is guided: "The sea vessel's captain was at the helm as he was taking the ship up the coast."
2. A position of guidance or control of an organization or government: "The governor took the state's helm immediately after winning the election."

"The president of the country has been under close scrutiny since he took the helm of the government a year ago."

To guide or to steer a water craft or freighter: The sailor's duty was to helm the cargo ship across the ocean until he was relieved by another seaman who would continue helming the sea vessel.