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 Routine testing for higher-risk people, such as healthcare workers, can be helpful. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024 This type of therapy takes time to work and may be more helpful for chronic hives. Karen Pallarito, Health, 24 Mar. 2024 Viewers of the free online broadcast can expect to see telescopic views of the eclipse as well as helpful context from space experts. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2024 Taking a supplement does not replace these lifestyle habits; however, a fertility supplement could be helpful for other reasons or specific groups of people. Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 Erlanger said bringing a friend or family can be helpful in these scenarios. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2024 However, a blanket of snow can be helpful in protecting leaves from extreme cold temperatures, according to a report from Iowa State University. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 Just getting used to and understanding the structure of a kimono was helpful. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2024 Please continue to reach out and share new executive appointment news (CIO, CTO, CDO) and any graphics and stats that would be helpful to share with other IT leaders. John Kell, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'helpful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near helpful

Cite this Entry

“Helpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpful. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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