Serve
volume
British pronunciation/sˈɜːv/
American pronunciation/ˈsɝv/

Definition & Meaning of "serve"

to serve
01

to offer or present food or drink to someone

Transitive: to serve food
to serve definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
Pour the sauce over the pasta and serve it immediately.
The waiter served the appetizers before the main course.
He served a delicious homemade pie for dessert.
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
Example
click on words
He stepped up to serve, aiming for the corner of the opponent's court.
Who 's serving?
He practiced for hours to improve his ability to serve in tennis.
03

to be of use or help in fulfilling or accomplishing something

Transitive: to serve a purpose
example
Example
click on words
A large cardboard box will serve the purpose.
Art serves an important function in our society.
These experiments serve no useful 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
Example
click on words
Henry served as a member of numerous committees and commissions.
Mr. Russell served as president of the Association for fifteen years.
She was elected to serve as secretary of the local party.
05

to produce a specific result or effect

Transitive: to serve to do sth
example
Example
click on words
His actions served to strengthen their relationship.
Her words served to reassure the anxious crowd.
His actions served only to make the situation worse.
06

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

Transitive: to serve a group
example
Example
click on words
The charity serves the homeless by providing food and shelter.
The health clinic serves low-income families with affordable medical care.
This new app serves travelers by helping them find the best local restaurants.
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
Example
click on words
The hostess served her guests a hearty meal with warm bread.
He served her a glass of wine to accompany the dinner.
The bartender served him a cold beer after a long day.
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
Example
click on words
He served his country by joining the military and dedicating his life to national defense.
She served the community for decades, working with local charities to improve education.
Many great leaders have served the ideals of justice and equality throughout their lives.
09

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

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
The weather served for their outdoor wedding, with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
The timing of the meeting served, as they had just completed the project.
The conditions served in their favor during the competition.
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
Example
click on words
He said his lawyer would serve a writ to the multinational corporation within a week.
She was served with a summons to appear in court.
The notice must be served to the tenant and include a legal description of the breach they have committed.
11

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

Transitive: to serve sb
example
Example
click on words
He served the royal family for many years, attending to their needs with loyalty.
The maid served the family, making sure their home was always tidy.
They hired someone to serve them during the event, ensuring all guests were comfortable.
12

to spend a period of time being locked up in prison

Transitive: to serve a sentence or period of time
example
Example
click on words
He was convicted of robbery and had to serve five years in prison.
She served her time and was released on good behavior.
After being caught for drug trafficking, he had to serve a 10-year sentence.
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
Example
click on words
The stud dog was brought in to serve the female for breeding.
The stallion served the mare during the breeding season.
The rooster served several hens to ensure fertile eggs.
14

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

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
He decided to serve in the army after graduating from high school.
She served in the Navy for over ten years before retiring.
After the war, he continued to serve in the National Guard.
15

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

Transitive: to serve a number of people
example
Example
click on words
The recipe serves four people.
This dish will serve four hungry people.
The soup was enough to serve ten guests at the dinner party.
16

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

Transitive: to serve a customer
example
Example
click on words
She always tries to serve her clients' needs as best as she can.
The cashier served the customer with a smile.
The employee served the customer by explaining the product details.
17

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

Transitive: to serve sb
Ditransitive: to serve sb a trick
example
Example
click on words
They were all in on it, serving him a trick that made him look silly in front of everyone.
I ca n't believe she served me like that — pretending she did n't know what happened.
He thought he was being helpful, but really, he was just serving me a trick.
18

to treat or handle someone in a particular manner

Transitive: to serve sb in a specific manner
example
Example
click on words
They were served poorly by the rude clerk at the counter.
She felt that her concerns were not being properly served during the meeting.
The coach serves the team with clear strategies and constant support.
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
Example
click on words
They serve the entire city with free Wi-Fi in public parks.
The hotel serves tourists with comfortable rooms and great amenities.
The team serves its fans with community events.
20

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

Transitive: to serve a weapon
example
Example
click on words
They were ready to serve the weapons at a moment ’s notice.
The soldier served the anti-aircraft gun during the attack.
The crew served the weapons with precision during the battle.
Serve
01

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

example
Example
click on words
The tennis player 's serve was powerful and accurate.
His volleyball serve was difficult to return.
The soccer goalkeeper 's serve reached the halfway line.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store