helper

noun help·er \ ˈhel-pər \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of helper

: one that helps; especially : a relatively unskilled worker who assists a skilled worker usually by manual labor

See helper defined for English-language learners

See helper defined for kids

Examples of helper in a Sentence

The carpenter measured the wall while one of his helpers brought in the tools.
over the summer Chris worked as a carpenter's helper

Recent Examples of helper from the Web

Past breeding attempts were based on the idea that by minimizing contact with their human keepers, the captive creatures don't habituate to their strange hairless helpers.

— maya wei-haas, Smithsonian, "The Science Behind the Unbearably Cute IMAX Movie “Pandas”," 6 Apr. 2018
His helpers include the Chinese government and some of North America’s leading computer scientists.

— tom simonite, WIRED, "Ex-Google Executive Opens a School for AI, With China's Help," 5 Apr. 2018
Van Hulst and his student helpers waited for the precise moment that the tram stopped, temporarily blocking the SS officers' view of the school, to hide the Jewish children in baskets and sacks, Wallet explained.

— ellie silverman, latimes.com, "Dutch schoolteacher who saved hundreds of Jewish children during Holocaust dies at 107," 4 Apr. 2018
There were some special little helpers. …and not just Shorty (although Shorty was there, too!).

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "11 Things You Might Have Missed In the Fixer Upper Series Finale," 4 Apr. 2018
Babysitter Safety Course 101: This is an entry level course for youth 10-15 years old intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother's helper, and individual babysitting concepts.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 3 Apr. 2018
After Ruth's Alternative Caring was shut down by the DEA, Ruth (Bates) and her faithful helpers are back in business.

— kelly lawler, USA TODAY, "Weekend TV: Kathy Bates' 'Disjointed' lights up again on Netflix," 12 Jan. 2018
Siri has gone to school, learned a few social skills, and stepped up her game as your indispensable handheld helper.

— sarah lindig, Marie Claire, "12 New Things You Can Do With Siri That Are *Actually* Useful," 27 Sep. 2015
Pastrnak assisted on each of Boston’s first three goals and added another on Bergeron’s third-period goal, giving him 12 helpers in eight playoff games.

— the associated press, New York Times, "Boston Bruins Beat Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1," 28 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'helper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.