helping

American  

[hel-ping] / ˈhɛl pɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that helps.

2. a portion of food served to a person at one time.

   That's his third helping of ice cream.

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adjective

1. giving aid, assistance, support, or the like.

helping British  

/ ˈhɛlpɪŋ /

noun

1. a single portion of food taken at a meal

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Other Word Forms

• helpingly adverb
• unhelping adjective

Etymology

Origin of helping

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; help, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

But audiences loved it, helping to make it the second-biggest film of 2023, just behind the Barbie movie.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The elder Duggars “are focused on loving their family and helping Kendra and her children during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the couple told various outlets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Even though different species can still interbreed, these inversions limit how much their DNA mixes, helping maintain distinct traits.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

In 1990, when gasoline prices jumped in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, helping to precipitate a recession, the average light vehicle got 18.8 miles to the gallon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

He was standing on a chair, helping his mother wash dishes.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry