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

Health Helper: Microsoft is betting on healthcare as a path to become more competitive in AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

When it is feared that Santa’s Little Helper might have died and gone to doggie heaven, Marge pales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Helper T cells, which act as the immune system's conductors -- detecting health threats, activating other immune cells and sustaining the immune responses over time -- play a central coordinating role.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

You can tell a lot about a person based on their feelings about Hamburger Helper.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2025

“Ah, the Helper itself. What you kids need it for?”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

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