helium

noun

he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm How to pronounce helium (audio)
ˈhēl-yəm
: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)
—often used before another noun
helium balloons
helium gas
 see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of helium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prices of other commodities like helium and sulfur remain high. — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Through it had passed about 20% of the world's oil, along with many other commodities, ranging from natural gas and fertilizer to helium. — Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026 Notably, Citi reminded investors that Linde has not baked any benefit from higher helium prices into its guidance. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Recent years have seen major advances in aerial technology, from the creation of autonomous flying taxis to the launch of helium zeppelins the length of a football field. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for helium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hēlios

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helium was in 1871

Rhymes for helium

See All Rhymes for helium

Browse Nearby Words

Helisoma
helium
helium-3
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

helium

noun
he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm How to pronounce helium (audio)
: a light colorless nonflammable element that is found in various natural gases and is used especially to blow up balloons see element

Medical Definition

helium

noun
he·​li·​um ˈhē-lē-əm How to pronounce helium (audio)
: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research
—symbol He see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on helium

Nglish: Translation of helium for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about helium

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