English

edit

Pronunciation

edit
  • IPA(key): /ˈhɛlpɪŋ/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɛlpɪŋ

Etymology 1

edit

From Middle English helping, helpinge, helpynge, equivalent to help +‎ -ing.

Noun

edit

helping (countable and uncountable, plural helpings)

  1. The act of giving aid or assistance (to).
    She finds great joy in helping people.
  2. (countable) 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.
  3. (figurative, countable) An amount or quantity.
    • 2012 June 19, Phil McNulty, “England 1-0 Ukraine”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      Wayne Rooney marked his England return with the goal that secured a place in Euro 2012's last eight - but it was a rough passage eased by helpings of good fortune and controversy against Ukraine.
Derived terms
edit
edit
Translations
edit

Etymology 2

edit

From Middle English helpinge, helpynge, helpinde, helponde, helpand, from Old English helpende, present participle of Old English helpan (to help), equivalent to help +‎ -ing. Cognate with Dutch helpend, German helfend, Swedish hjälpande.

Verb

edit

helping

  1. present participle and gerund of help