1. An individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
   "the helpings were all small";
   - portion, serving

1. Give support or assistance
   "Everyone helped out during the earthquake"; "Can you help me carry this table?"; "She never helps around the house";
   - assist, aid
    
2. Be of use
   "This will help to prevent accidents";
   - facilitate
    
3. Improve the condition of
   "These pills will help the patient";
   - aid
    
4. Contribute to the furtherance of
   "This money will help the development of literacy in developing countries"
    
5. Improve; change for the better
   "New slipcovers will help the old living room furniture"
    
6. Give a portion of food or drink
   "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself";
   - serve
    
7. Take or use
   "She helped herself to some of the office supplies";
   - avail
    
8. Abstain from doing; always used with a negative
   "I can't help myself — I have to smoke"; "She could not help watching the sad spectacle";
   - help oneself

Derived forms: helpings

Type of: advance, ameliorate, amend, back up, better, boost, cater, encourage, exploit, forbear, further, improve, meliorate, mend, promote, provide, put up, refrain, serve, small indefinite amount, small indefinite quantity, supply, support, work

Part of: meal, repast

Encyclopedia: Helping