Serve
volume
British pronunciation/sɜːv/
American pronunciation/sɝːv/

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
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Pour the sauce over the pasta and serve it immediately.
The waiter served the appetizers before the main course.
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
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He stepped up to serve, aiming for the corner of the opponent's court.
Who 's serving?
03

to be of use or help in fulfilling or accomplishing something

Transitive: to serve a purpose
example
Example
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A large cardboard box will serve the purpose.
Art serves an important function in our society.
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
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Example
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Henry served as a member of numerous committees and commissions.
Mr. Russell served as president of the Association for fifteen years.
05

to produce a specific result or effect

Transitive: to serve to do sth
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Example
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His actions served to strengthen their relationship.
Her words served to reassure the anxious crowd.
06

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

Transitive: to serve a group
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Example
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The charity serves the homeless by providing food and shelter.
The health clinic serves low-income families with affordable medical care.
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
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Example
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The hostess served her guests a hearty meal with warm bread.
He served her a glass of wine to accompany the dinner.
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
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Example
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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.
09

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

Intransitive
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Example
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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.
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
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Example
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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.
11

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

Transitive: to serve sb
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Example
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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.
12

to spend a period of time being locked up in prison

Transitive: to serve a sentence or period of time
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Example
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He was convicted of robbery and had to serve five years in prison.
She served her time and was released on good behavior.
13

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

Transitive: to serve a female animal
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Example
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The stud dog was brought in to serve the female for breeding.
The stallion served the mare during the breeding season.
14

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

Intransitive
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Example
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He decided to serve in the army after graduating from high school.
She served in the Navy for over ten years before retiring.
15

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

Transitive: to serve a number of people
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Example
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The recipe serves four people.
This dish will serve four hungry people.
16

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

Transitive: to serve a customer
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Example
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She always tries to serve her clients' needs as best as she can.
The cashier served the customer with a smile.
17

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

Transitive: to serve sb
Ditransitive: to serve sb a trick
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Example
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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.
18

to treat or handle someone in a particular manner

Transitive: to serve sb in a specific manner
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They were served poorly by the rude clerk at the counter.
She felt that her concerns were not being properly served during the meeting.
19

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

Transitive: to serve sb with a product or service
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Example
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They serve the entire city with free Wi-Fi in public parks.
The hotel serves tourists with comfortable rooms and great amenities.
20

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

Transitive: to serve a weapon
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Example
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They were ready to serve the weapons at a moment ’s notice.
The soldier served the anti-aircraft gun during the attack.
Serve
01

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

example
Example
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The tennis player 's serve was powerful and accurate.
His volleyball serve was difficult to return.
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