helper
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɛlpə/
US
- /ˈhɛlpər/
Description
- assistant
- aide
- person who gives support
- person who lends a hand
- thing that makes a task easier
A helper is a person who gives support or makes a task easier for someone else. It can be someone in a big moment, like a firefighter, but more often it is an everyday person: a friend who listens, a coworker who joins in, or a neighbor who carries a box. The word can also name something made to assist, such as a kitchen helper stool that lets a child reach the counter more safely.
At its heart, the idea is simple: a helper gives time, effort, skill, or care so that another person can do something more easily. Sometimes that support is planned, and sometimes it is just a quick hand when it is needed.
The word "helper" usually describes a person who gives help, support, or care. It is a broad, everyday word, and that is part of its strength. A helper might assist with physical work, like carrying boxes during a move, or give personal support, like staying with a friend through a hard time. If you say, "She was a great helper during the move," you mean she made the job easier by taking part and giving useful support.
A helper can be someone in an official role, such as a teaching assistant, a medical aide, or a worker whose job is to assist others. Just as often, though, the word is used in ordinary life. A child helping set the table, a neighbor clearing snow, or a coworker stepping in when the team is busy can all be called a helper.
The word can also refer to a thing that helps. In homes, schools, or workshops, people sometimes use "helper" for an object made to make a task safer or easier. A "kitchen helper," for example, is often a small standing stool that helps a young child reach a counter.
The tone of the word is usually warm and positive. It suggests willingness, kindness, and usefulness more than status or expertise. In most cases, a helper is simply someone, or sometimes something, that makes life or work a little easier for someone else.
Examples
- 1
School event
We need two more helpers for the school fair.
- 2
Childcare work
Maya worked as a helper in the kindergarten last summer.
- 3
Family help
My son loves being my little helper in the kitchen.
Phrase
my little helper
a friendly way to talk about a child who is helping
- 4
Student support
Each new student is paired with an older helper during the first week.
- 5
Volunteer work
She started as a volunteer helper and later joined the staff full-time.
- 6
Software tool
The website installs a small helper in the background when you print a file.
Domain
in computing, a helper is a small program or tool that supports another one
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- helpernoun
Forms
- helperspluralnoun