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 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 booksC. B. Shaw

Synonyms of helpful

Examples of helpful in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Staff are uniformly lovely and helpful. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 Focus on business and personal relationships, and choose to be with people who are kind, helpful and have your back. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 Talking about the good times and looking through photos has been helpful in her grief journey. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 4 June 2026 The report goes on to say the tools are helpful but always verify. Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 4 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpful. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster