helpful

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

Southern often ˈhep-

also ˈheəp-

: of service or assistance : useful

a helpful neighbor

helpful advice

just trying to be helpful

helpfully

ˈhelp-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun

Synonyms of helpful

• useful

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway.

a kind and helpful person

Recent Examples on the Web

It's got plenty of helpful features, such as automatic two-sided printing as well as copy and scan capabilities. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026

The alignment is a helpful way for Democrats to change the subject from US-Israel policy, a topic that has bitterly split them in this state in particular. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Coverage can be particularly helpful for short-term rentals, where systems and appliances see heavy use. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

That’s a very helpful insight that will, hopefully, save the family from future strife. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing helpful

• come in useful/helpful

Rhymes for helpful

• unhelpful

Kids Definition

helpful

adjective

help·​ful ˈhelp-fəl 

: providing help

a helpful neighbor

helpfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

helpfulness noun