helper

American  

[hel-per] / ˈhɛl pər /

noun

1. a person or thing that helps or gives assistance, support, etc.

   Synonyms:

   ally, auxiliary, backer, supporter, assistant, aid

2. an extra locomotive attached to a train at the front, middle, or rear, especially to provide extra power for climbing a steep grade.

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Etymology

Origin of helper

First recorded in 1250–1300; help + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A support runner, a driver, a helper and - her secret weapon - a podiatrist.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

In the low-income Madanpur Khadar neighbourhood, 36-year-old domestic helper Sheela Kumari says she has been forced to abandon LPG cooking gas cylinders for cooking after prices more than doubled.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

ByteDance has created more than a dozen AI apps in China and parallel versions for overseas markets, such as chatbot Dola, video creator Dreamina and homework helper Gauth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

But in this case as in others, the AI helper didn’t do consistently well.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Her helper Mary Nell stands next to her, handing her notes.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• apprentice
• attendant
• collaborator
• companion
• servant
• temp
• temporary worker