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
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.
This tool, called mirroring, can be helpful during small talk. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024 Bus manifests likewise may not be helpful since identification is not required to board, according to Kenny. Elise Hammond, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 Understanding how your mind works—and how to work it better—can be helpful after breaking up. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024 Focus on your family unit Putting your concentration and energy into your kids can be helpful in situations like this. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for helpful 

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 17 Dec. 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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