helter-skelter

1 of 3

adverb

hel·​ter-skel·​ter ˌhel-tər-ˈskel-tər How to pronounce helter-skelter (audio)
1
: in undue haste, confusion, or disorder
ran helter-skelter, getting in each other's wayF. V. W. Mason
2
: in a haphazard manner

helter-skelter

2 of 3

noun

1
: a disorderly confusion : turmoil
2
British : a spiral slide around a tower at an amusement park

helter-skelter

3 of 3

adjective

1
: confusedly hurried : precipitate
2
: marked by a lack of order or plan : haphazard
the helter-skelter arrangement of the papers, all mussed and frayedJean Stafford

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The opening quarter-hour produced a fast but helter-skelter showing. The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 2023 After a helter-skelter start, Mr. Vovk and his top managers reorganized. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

perhaps from Middle English skelten to come, go

First Known Use

Adverb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of helter-skelter was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near helter-skelter

Cite this Entry

“Helter-skelter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helter-skelter. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

helter-skelter

adverb
hel·​ter-skel·​ter
ˌhel-tər-ˈskel-tər
1
: in a confused and reckless manner : pell-mell
ran helter-skelter down the hill
2
: in no particular order : haphazardly
clothes strewn helter-skelter about the room
helter-skelter adjective

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