English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word serve in English

What does serve mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

serve

US /sɝːv/
UK /sɜːv/
"serve" picture

Verb

1.

perform duties or services for (a person or organization)

Example:
•
He has served the company for 20 years.
•
The waiter served us quickly.
Synonym:
work for be employed by attend to wait on assist
2.

present (food or drink) to someone

Example:
•
Dinner is being served at 7 PM.
•
They served us a delicious meal.
Synonym:
provide supply dish up present
3.

be of use in achieving or satisfying something

Example:
•
This tool will serve its purpose well.
•
His experience will serve him well in the new role.
Synonym:
be useful be of use function act as perform
4.

(in tennis and other racket sports) hit the ball or shuttlecock to start play

Example:
•
It's your turn to serve.
•
She served an ace.
Synonym:
hit strike volley

Noun

1.

a period of time spent in a particular job or activity

Example:
•
He completed his military service.
•
She has a long service record.
Synonym:
duty employment work labor
2.

the action of helping or doing work for someone

Example:
•
Customer service is very important.
•
The hotel offers excellent room service.
Synonym:
assistance aid help support
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Related Word:
served serving serve as serves as servings serve on long serving