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Definitions

helping

[hel-ping] / ˈhɛl pɪŋ /
NOUN
portion of food
Synonyms
STRONG
allowance course dollop meal order piece plateful ration serving share
Antonyms
STRONG
whole

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for helping?
Helping has a couple of different meanings, which have different sets of synonyms. Many words don’t have exact synonyms like big is an exact synonym of large, and helping is one of those words. As a noun (in the context of food) As a noun, the word helping refers to a portion of food served to one person at one time. Synonyms include serving and portion. This can refer to another portion of whatever is being served, such as another helping of salad or mashed potatoes or pie. However, in the context of a meal, helping, serving, and portion all often imply an entire plate’s worth of food (not just a little extra). In this sense, when you get another helping, you fill your plate up again. The word plate can be used to mean the same thing, as in I’m still hungry, so I’m going to the buffet to get another plate.   In certain settings, such as in a military mess hall, the word for a helping is ration, which implies that there is a limited amount of food to be divided among everyone. As a verb (the continuous tense of help) Helping is the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb help, and it can use all the same synonyms that help can, just with -ing added. Synonyms for helping include aiding, assisting, and supporting. The word providing is often used in terms meaning the same thing, as in providing help/aid/assistance/support.  An informal way of saying this is lending a helping hand (in which a helping hand refers to aid or assistance).
What can you say instead of helping others?
The phrase helping others is commonly used as a general way of referring to helping people or performing acts of charity.  Volunteering is a common way of helping others. Other general terms include providing aid/assistance/support. But if you want to be more specific, such as on a resume, you can always use more specific descriptions of the kind of help you have provided, as in Volunteering experience includes serving food at the soup kitchen and providing free counseling services.
How do you use helping in a sentence?
Helping is a very common word that can be used in many different contexts and situations. Here are some examples of helping in a sentence:
  • My grandma gave me two helpings of meatloaf.
  • I was very grateful to my coworker for helping me make more friends at work.
  • The initiative was created with the intention of helping the people who do not have access to healthcare.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"To that person, I would say you can come forward and you will be treated fairly. What you know could be vital in helping us identify those responsible."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 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

“You said yourself the Afterlife is wonderful. Better than here, you said! What happened to the idea that you were helping her?”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.