helped; helping; helps
Definition of help
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to give assistance or support to (someone) : to provide (someone) with something that is useful or necessary in achieving an end
How can I help you? He helps the children with their homework. Can you help me get this jar open? She helped him (walk) up/down the stairs.
3a
: to be of use to : benefit
will do anything to help their cause
b
: to further the advancement of : promote
could help negotiations
4a
: to change for the better
b
: to refrain from : avoid
we couldn't help laughing
c
: to keep from occurring : prevent
they couldn't help the accident
d
: to restrain (oneself) from doing something
knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves
5
: to serve with food or drink especially at a meal
told the guests to help themselves
6
: to take something for (oneself) without permission
helped himself to the car keys
1
: to give assistance or support
—often used with out helps out with the housework
2
: to be of use or benefit
every little bit helps
so help me
: upon my word : believe it or not
— see also helping hand, helping verb
help
noun
plural helps
Definition of help (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: the act or an instance of doing or supplying something to make it easier for another to complete a task, deal with a problem, etc. : aid, assistance
I could use some help with the dishes. We heard cries for help coming from the house. We couldn't have done this without your help. I'm glad I could be of help. [=I'm glad I could help.]
— see also self-help
2
: a source of aid
She is a help to our efforts. You've been a great help to us. The instructions were no help (at all). He's been more of a hindrance than a help. Turner … and Mackinley … are big helps with their younger siblings.— Julia Lipscombe
— see also help desk, help menu, help screen
4
plural usually help
a
: employee
help wanted
—usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction Most of the restaurant's summer help is/are college students.
b
often offensive
: a domestic worker
—usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Color
-
- Name that color:

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share help
Time Traveler for help
The first known use of help was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century