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helping

/ˈhɛlpɪŋ/ · help·ing
verb
  1. To provide assistance to (someone or something). He helped his grandfather cook breakfast.
  2. To assist (a person) in getting something, especially food or drink at table; used with to. Help yourself to whatever's in the fridge.
  3. To contribute in some way to. If you want to get a job, it helps to have some prior experience.
noun
  1. A portion or serving, especially of food that one takes for oneself, or to which one helps oneself. She eagerly took a second helping of ice cream.
  2. An amount or quantity. The recipe calls for a helping of sugar.
Did you know? The phrase 'helping oneself' is a common idiom that originated in the 15th century, when it referred to taking food or drink without being served by others.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 19, 2026