helter-skelter

1 of 3

adverb

hel·​ter-skel·​ter ˌhel-tər-ˈskel-tər How to pronounce helter-skelter (audio)
Synonyms of helter-skelter
1
: in undue haste, confusion, or disorder
… ran helter-skelter, getting in each other's way.—F. V. W. Mason
2
: in a haphazard manner

helter-skelter

2 of 3

noun

1
: a disorderly confusion : turmoil
2
British : a spiral slide around a tower at an amusement park

helter-skelter

3 of 3

adjective

1
: confusedly hurried : precipitate
a helter-skelter dash for the gate
2
: marked by a lack of order or plan : haphazard
… the helter-skelter arrangement of the papers, all mussed and frayed …—Jean Stafford

Synonyms of helter-skelter

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Examples of helter-skelter in a Sentence

Adverb the sheep ran helter-skelter inside their pen when the coyote appeared in their midst goods arranged helter-skelter on the shelves of the variety store Noun in the helter-skelter at the amusement park the child got separated from his parents Adjective a bill that was pushed through committee in a last-minute helter-skelter burst of legislative activity papers, books, and unopened mail were stacked helter-skelter on the desk
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.
Adverb
Stantis’ drawing shows Jesus hanging on a cross with oversized bombs and mortar shells flying helter-skelter in the air. — Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Inspired by the helter-skelter brickwork of Chiang Mai's crumbling temples, their façades feature masonry laid in intricate motifs and wooden lattices that create beautiful shadowy patterns when the sun hits. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The helter-skelter run down the line. — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 The opening quarter-hour produced a fast but helter-skelter showing. — The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for helter-skelter

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

perhaps from Middle English skelten to come, go

First Known Use

Adverb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of helter-skelter was in 1593

Rhymes for helter-skelter

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Browse Nearby Words

Helsinki
helter-skelter
helve
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Cite this Entry

“Helter-skelter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helter-skelter. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

helter-skelter

adverb
hel·​ter-skel·​ter
ˌhel-tər-ˈskel-tər
1
: in a confused and reckless manner : pell-mell
ran helter-skelter down the hill
2
: in no particular order : haphazardly
clothes strewn helter-skelter about the room
helter-skelter adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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