Definition of 'helping'

Word Frequency

helping

(helpɪŋ )

Word forms: plural helpings

1. countable noun [adjective NOUN]

A helping of food is the amount of it that you get in a single serving.

She gave them extra helpings of ice-cream. [+ of]

Synonyms: portion, serving, ration, piece More Synonyms of helping

2. countable noun

You can refer to an amount of something, especially a quality, as a helping of that thing.

[informal]

It took a generous helping of entrepreneurial confidence to persevere during this incident. [+ of]

Word Frequency

helping in British

(ˈhɛlpɪŋ )

noun

a single portion of food taken at a meal

Word Frequency

helping in American

(ˈhɛlpɪŋ ; helˈpiŋ)

noun

a giving of aid; assisting

a portion of food served to one person

Example sentences containing 'helping'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Love is available in more generous helpings whether you want to upgrade a partnership or launch a new one. The Sun (2016)Love is available in more generous helpings whether you want to upgrade a partnership or launch a new one. The Sun (2016)They may well be tempted to return for second helpings. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Love should be available in generous helpings as a partner values what you bring to the relationship. The Sun (2013)Or perhaps you were forced to have extra helpings of your least favourite food. The Sun (2014)The remaining stock can be used again for second helpings of this delicious soup. Conil, Jean & Conil, Christopher (ed) A Passion for Food (1989)Love is available in more generous helpings. The Sun (2008)No pots at the table for extra helpings. The Sun (2014) Second helpings notch this up to half a unit. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Extra helpings of beef stew and mash mean savings on the gas bill. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Arrange hot feta on each portion and put the rest on the second helpings. Times, Sunday Times (2010)One tells the magazine that the female teachers mother him and he gets extra helpings from kitchen staff. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Your ruling planet Jupiter promises love will be available in generous helpings. The Sun (2008)Love is available in generous helpings, allowing you to rediscover the old closeness with a partner. The Sun (2006)Spectre is the longest Bond yet because of the extra helpings of explosive action. The Sun (2015)You can have second helpings but you mustn't add different things. The Sun (2009)She, was left fighting for life and only survived because she did not have second helpings. The Sun (2010)Both are astonishingly good but we're warned to pace ourselves rather than dive in for second and third helpings. The Sun (2013)The task might be harder for people with one genetic profile than another, but no gene compels us to have second helpings. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Love should be available in generous helpings or, if single, you will find romance where charity cash is raised. The Sun (2009) Extra helpings all round! Times, Sunday Times (2014)The food was fresh, well cooked and imaginative, served in generous helpings with an interesting selection of wines to choose from. Times, Sunday Times (2008)You've got extra helpings of intuition, energy and luck so a task that stretches your abilities also brings success at work. The Sun (2014)

Trends of 'helping'

Very Common. helping is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

View usage for:

Nearby words of 'helping'

Related Terms of 'helping'

Source

Definition of helping from the Collins English Dictionary

Must

Must is used to express obligation, give orders and give advice. It can only be used for present and future reference. When the past is involved, you use have to. Must is used: to express obligati...