helper

noun

help·​er ˈhel-pər How to pronounce helper (audio)
Synonyms of helpernext
: one that helps
especially : a relatively unskilled worker who assists a skilled worker usually by manual labor

Synonyms of helper

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Examples of helper in a Sentence

The carpenter measured the wall while one of his helpers brought in the tools. over the summer Chris worked as a carpenter's helper
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.
There's the moveable bookcase that concealed the hiding place and the staircase helpers used to bring the Franks food and news of the day. — Marie Saavedra, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 There are chef’s helpers milling about, ready to answer questions or offer some assistance. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Otherwise, he’s restricted to impersonal helpers — a detective (Liza Colón-Zayas) willing to take his phone calls, an AI assistant (ew) and a network of facial recognition cameras (double ew). — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Swank sent well wishes to fans around the holidays in 2024 via a photo of her and a cherubic little helper by the tree. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for helper

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helper was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing helper

Browse Nearby Words

help desk
helper
helper T cell
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Cite this Entry

“Helper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helper. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

helper

noun
help·​er ˈhel-pər How to pronounce helper (audio)
: one that helps
especially : a person who helps a more skilled person

More from Merriam-Webster on helper

Nglish: Translation of helper for Spanish Speakers

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