Search Dictionary
Definition of helpmate

helpmate

/ˈhɛlpmeɪt/
help · mate
Plural:helpmates
JUMP TO:

helpmate Lexical Profile

helpmate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A helpful companion or partner, especially a spouse.

Example

"Throughout fifty years of marriage, she remained his most trusted advisor and devoted helpmate."

2

In chess, a type of problem in which Black and White cooperate to reach a position where Black is checkmated.

Example

"The chess magazine featured a challenging three-move helpmate composed by a grandmaster."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for helpmate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for helpmate

• Nearby Words

helplessly
helplessness
helpline
helpmate
helsinki
hem
hemerocallis

Word Origin & Etymology

Evolved in the early 18th century as an alteration of 'helpmeet', which itself arose from a misreading of the phrase 'an help meet for him' (meaning 'a helper suitable for him') in the King James Bible's translation of Genesis 2:18.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Helpmate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/helpmate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.