noun
helping
HEHL-pihng
noun
1
A portion of food served to one person.
"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."
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
Word Forms
helpings plural
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He went back for a second _____ of mashed potatoes.
Etymology
From "help" plus the "-ing" suffix.