Definition of Helter-skelter

1. Adjective. Lacking a visible order or organization.

Exact synonyms: Chaotic
Similar to: Disorganised, Disorganized

2. Adverb. Haphazardly. "The books were piled up helter-skelter"
Exact synonyms: Every Which Way

3. Adjective. With undue hurry and confusion. "A pell-mell dash for the train"
Exact synonyms: Pell-mell
Similar to: Hurried

Definition of Helter-skelter

1. Adverb. In confused, disorderly haste ¹

2. Adjective. Carelessly hurried and confused ¹

3. Noun. confusion or turmoil ¹

4. Noun. (British) A helical fairground slide ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Helter-skelter

1. In hurry and confusion; without definite purpose; irregularly. "Helter-skelter have I rode to thee." (Shak) "A wistaria vine running helter-skelter across the roof." (J. C. Harris) Origin: An onomatpoetic word. Cf. G. Holter-polter, D. Holder de bolder. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Helter-skelter

helplines
helply
helpmate
helpmates
helpmeet
helpmeets
helps
helps out
helpsheet
helpsheets
helpsome
helpt
helpworthy
helsinki declaration
helter
helter-skelter (current term)
helter-skelters
helters
helve
helved
helvella
helves
helving
helvite
hem
hem-
hem-line
hem and haw
hem in
hemachate

Literary usage of Helter-skelter

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War by Judith White Brockenbrough] [McGuire (1868)
"All went helter-skelter—coaches, cabriolets, barouches, buggies, flying over the roads, as though all Fairfax were mad. " Ah, Fear! ah, frantic Fear! ..."

2. The Homes of the New World: Impressions of America by Fredrika Bremer (1853)
"A heavy shower of rain, which came on quite unexpectedly, put a sudden end to the fete, and sent every body helter-skelter home. When at home with Mr. B., ..."

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