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

Also helpful are the on-site laundry facilities, which are located on the top floor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026

Some recorder databases do not support address searches, which is why the parcel number and owner names are helpful. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Seek out additional resources Looking into additional resources such as food banks, SNAP or hardship help programs in your area can be helpful, Rathner said. — Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Any small engagement is enormously motivating and helpful for her persistence. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 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