helpful

adjective

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

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

A helpful neighbor shoveled our walkway. a kind and helpful person
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.
The Tennessean's Student of the Week is all about helpful upperclassmen this week. Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Sep. 2025 Smythson’s Portobello notebook—famously toted by Gwyneth Paltrow during her victorious lawsuit defense—also appears in this helpful planner iteration with a week-to-view layout. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 Most microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, are harmful, but probiotics are beneficial exceptions that contain helpful bacteria or yeast similar to those in the gut. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025 The 2025 guidance does offer clarification on definitions, which can be helpful. Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for helpful

Word History

Etymology

see help entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpful. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

helpful

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

More from Merriam-Webster on helpful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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