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.
The ability to easily reuse notes is more helpful than the ability to catalogue and archive memos. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 This can be helpful for disputing charges and clearing your record. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The tight framing is helpful for a film that can wobble under the demands of its various plot points, some of which end up competing for attention. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 Gamification Prompting Gamification is a helpful and engaging way to improve your prompting skills. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helpful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helpful. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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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