helping
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for helping, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A portion of food served to one person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use helping
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "help" plus the "-ing" suffix.
Full origin of helping →Frequently asked questions
What does “helping” mean?
The word “helping” means a portion of food served to one person. In plain terms, most often used for a serving of food — "a second helping" — or, less commonly, the act of assisting.
How do you pronounce “helping”?
“Helping” is pronounced HEHL-pihng (/ˈhɛlpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “helping” in a sentence?
Here is “helping” used in a sentence: “He went back for a second helping of mashed potatoes.”
What part of speech is “helping”?
“Helping” is a noun.
Is “helping” a common word?
“Helping” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “helping” have?
“Helping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a portion of food served to one person.
What is the difference between a helping and a serving?
The two words overlap, but there is a subtle difference. A 'serving' is often a standard, measured amount, like the portion sizes printed on food packaging. A 'helping' is the amount actually placed on your plate, which can be larger or smaller. 'Helping' also sounds more informal and homely.
What does 'second helping' mean?
A second helping is another portion of the same food, taken after you have finished the first. Asking for one is usually a sign you enjoyed the meal. The phrase is common at home and at shared dinners, where dishes are placed on the table for people to serve themselves again.
How big is a helping?
There is no fixed size — a helping is simply the amount served to one person at a time. It depends on the food, the occasion, and appetite. A 'generous helping' means a large amount, while a 'small helping' is modest. Unlike a measured serving, it is judged by eye rather than weighed.