: a chemical element of the noble gas group with atomic number 2 that is found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, as a coolant for superconductors, and as a component of inert atmospheres (as in welding)
—often used before another noun
helium balloons
helium gas
see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of helium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cruise companies are also investing heavily into new private islands and beaches to take passengers to, like CocoCay, the island with North America's second tallest waterslide, helium balloon rides, adult-only beaches, and zip lines galore.
—
Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
But a series of technical failures, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, turned the mission into an extended stay.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
But the Boeing Starliner vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station ran into technical problems, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
Often called the unofficial start of the holiday season, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will see massive helium balloons floating through New York.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for helium 
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Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
But a series of technical failures, including thruster malfunctions and helium leaks, turned the mission into an extended stay.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
But the Boeing Starliner vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station ran into technical problems, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
Often called the unofficial start of the holiday season, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will see massive helium balloons floating through New York.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for helium
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Dictionary Entries Near helium
Cite this Entry
“Helium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helium. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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Medical Definition
helium
noun
he·li·um
ˈhē-lē-əm 
: a light colorless nonflammable gaseous element found especially in natural gases and used chiefly for inflating airships and balloons, for filling incandescent lamps, and for cryogenic research
—symbol He
see Chemical Elements Table
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