noun
Very common
helping
HEHL-pihng
Helping (noun) means a portion of food served to one person. Example: “I'll have a small helping of the pasta, please.”
noun
1
A portion of food served to one person.
"I'll have a small helping of the pasta, please."
"The canteen gives generous helpings, so nobody leaves hungry."
"He went back for a second helping of mashed potatoes."
2
The act of giving assistance.
"Her helping with the fundraiser made a real difference."
"She finds great joy in helping people."
"Thank you for your helping with the move; we could never have managed alone."
"Helping neighbours carry their shopping is something she does without being asked."
How to use helping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often used for a serving of food — "a second helping" — or, less commonly, the act of assisting.
Common pairings
a second helping
a generous helping
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like helping.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- helpings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'll have a small _____ of the pasta, please.
Etymology
From "help" plus the "-ing" suffix.
Related words
Rhymes for helping
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include helping:
