1 helter-skelter | Definition of helter-skelter

helter-skelter

adverb
hel·​ter-skel·​ter | \ ËŒhel-tÉ™r-ˈskel-tÉ™r How to pronounce helter-skelter (audio) \

Definition of helter-skelter

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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

noun

Definition of helter-skelter (Entry 2 of 3)

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

helter-skelter

adjective

Definition of helter-skelter (Entry 3 of 3)

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

First Known Use of helter-skelter

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

History and Etymology for helter-skelter

Adverb

perhaps from Middle English skelten to come, go

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More Definitions for helter-skelter

helter-skelter

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of helter-skelter

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: in a confused and careless way
: in no particular order

helter-skelter

noun

English Language Learners Definition of helter-skelter (Entry 2 of 2)

British : a slide that twists around a tower at an amusement park

helter-skelter

adverb
hel·​ter-skel·​ter | \ ËŒhel-tÉ™r-ˈskel-tÉ™r\

Kids Definition of helter-skelter