helpful

1 of 2

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl How to pronounce helpful (audio)
Southern often ˈhep-
also ˈheəp-
Synonyms of helpfulnext
: of service or assistance : useful
a helpful neighbor
helpful advice
just trying to be helpful
helpfully
ˈhelp-fə-lē How to pronounce helpful (audio)
adverb
helpfulness noun

helpfulness

2 of 2

noun

help·​ful·​ness
-fəlnə̇s
plural -es
: the quality or state of being helpful
the … helpfulness of reference books—C. B. Shaw

Synonyms of helpful

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Adjective

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Examples of helpful in a Sentence

Adjective A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway. a kind and helpful person
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
That’s not super helpful if your web application has been written using PHP. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The 5-quart Artisan Plus model is an improvement on the original Artisan, featuring luxe stainless steel accessories, a helpful bowl light, and precision speed control. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 In order to be helpful, Muse constantly builds extensive dossiers of users and their desires, social relationships, and messaging behaviors, TIME’s Harry Booth reported this month. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 Staff are attentive and helpful without being overly formal, delivering the high standards of a larger hotel with the personal touch of a boutique property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for helpful

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see help entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helpful was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing helpful

Rhymes for helpful

See All Rhymes for helpful

Browse Nearby Words

helper T cell
helpful
helpfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Helpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpful. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

helpful

adjective
help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl How to pronounce helpful (audio)
: providing help
a helpful neighbor
helpfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce helpful (audio)
adverb
helpfulness noun
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