to serve
Pronunciation
/sɝːv/
British pronunciation
/sɜːv/

Definition & Meaning of "serve"in English

to serve
01

to offer or present food or drink to someone

Transitive: to serve food
to serve definition and meaning
example
Examples
Pour the sauce over the pasta and serve it immediately.
02

to initiate play in a sport by hitting a ball or object from a designated location using a specific technique, as dictated by the rules of the game

Intransitive
Transitive: to serve a ball
to serve definition and meaning
example
Examples
He stepped up to serve, aiming for the corner of the opponent's court.
03

to be of use or help in fulfilling or accomplishing something

Transitive: to serve a purpose
example
Examples
A large cardboard box will serve the purpose.
04

to work for a specified organization or in a specific role for a period of time

Intransitive: to serve as holder of a position | to serve in an organization
example
Examples
Henry served as a member of numerous committees and commissions.
05

to produce a specific result or effect

Transitive: to serve to do sth
example
Examples
His actions served to strengthen their relationship.
06

to offer assistance or services that help meet the needs or improve the well-being of someone

Transitive: to serve a group
example
Examples
The charity serves the homeless by providing food and shelter.
07

to offer or give someone food or drink, typically as a gesture of hospitality or during a meal

Ditransitive: to serve sb food or drink
example
Examples
The hostess served her guests a hearty meal with warm bread.
08

to dedicate a portion of one's life, time, or efforts to supporting a cause, institution, or belief

Transitive: to serve an institution or belief
example
Examples
He served his country by joining the military and dedicating his life to national defense.
09

to be suitable, advantageous, or occur at a convenient or favorable time

Intransitive
example
Examples
The weather served for their outdoor wedding, with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
10

to deliver a legal document, such as a summons or writ, to the intended recipient in a formal and official manner in accordance with legal procedures and requirements

Ditransitive: to serve a legal document to sb | to serve sb with a legal document
example
Examples
He said his lawyer would serve a writ to the multinational corporation within a week.
11

to work for or assist someone, typically by performing duties or tasks

Transitive: to serve sb
example
Examples
He served the royal family for many years, attending to their needs with loyalty.
12

to spend a period of time being locked up in prison

Transitive: to serve a sentence or period of time
example
Examples
He was convicted of robbery and had to serve five years in prison.
13

to engage in copulation, as a male breeding animal with a female, in order to produce offspring

Transitive: to serve a female animal
example
Examples
The stud dog was brought in to serve the female for breeding.
14

to be employed or work as a member of the military or armed forces

Intransitive
example
Examples
He decided to serve in the army after graduating from high school.
15

(of an amount of food) to be sufficient enough for a particular number of people

Transitive: to serve a number of people
example
Examples
The recipe serves four people.
16

to assist customers by providing what they need in a store or business

Transitive: to serve a customer
example
Examples
She always tries to serve her clients' needs as best as she can.
17

to trick or deceive someone, often as a joke or prank

Transitive: to serve sb
Ditransitive: to serve sb a trick
example
Examples
They were all in on it, serving him a trick that made him look silly in front of everyone.
18

to treat or handle someone in a particular manner

Transitive: to serve sb in a specific manner
example
Examples
They were served poorly by the rude clerk at the counter.
19

to provide a product or service to a group of people or an area

Transitive: to serve sb with a product or service
example
Examples
They serve the entire city with free Wi-Fi in public parks.
20

to operate or use a weapon, especially in a military context

Transitive: to serve a weapon
example
Examples
They were ready to serve the weapons at a moment ’s notice.
21

to wear or present an outfit or look with style and confidence

SlangSlang
example
Examples
She 's really serving in that dress tonight.
22

to sell or supply drugs to others

SlangSlang
example
Examples
He serves weed to his friends at the party.
Serve
01

the action of putting the ball or puck into play to start a point or match

example
Examples
The tennis player 's serve was powerful and accurate.
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