helter-skelter

adverb
UK: /ˌhel.təˈskel.tər/
US: /ˌhel.tɚˈskel.tɚ/

  1. In a disorganized, hurried, and chaotic manner.

    1. The toys were scattered helter-skelter across the floor.
    2. After the bell rang, students rushed helter-skelter out of the classroom, eager to leave.

Synonyms

disorder confusion tumult higgledy-piggledy disarray pell-mell
helter-skelter noun

  1. Disorder and confusion.

    1. The room was in a helter-skelter after the party.
    2. The market was thrown into helter-skelter after the unexpected announcement.

  2. A tall spiral slide winding around a tower.

    1. The children loved riding the helter-skelter at the fair.
    2. The amusement park's iconic helter-skelter offered thrilling rides for visitors.
helter-skelter adjective

  1. Disorganized and hurried.

    1. The helter-skelter pile of books was about to fall.
    2. The project was completed in a helter-skelter fashion due to the tight deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "helter-skelter" is /ˌhel.təˈskel.tər/ in British English and /ˌhel.tɚˈskel.tɚ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "helter-skelter": disorder, confusion, tumult, higgledy-piggledy, disarray, pell-mell.

Example usage of "helter-skelter": "The toys were scattered helter-skelter across the floor.". More examples on the page.