Serve

/sɜrv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An act of serving food or drink.

The first serve was absolutely perfect, and the audience cheered.

In tennis, a stroke to start the play.

He practiced his serve for hours in preparation for the tournament.

verb

To perform duties or services for another person or an organization.

She decided to serve as a volunteer at the local animal shelter.

To deliver or distribute (food or drink) to someone.

The waiter will serve your meal shortly.

To be in the service of.

He served his country for many years in the military.

To help achieve or fulfill something.

This strategy will serve to improve our overall efficiency.

To present or offer (something) to someone.

The chef is known to serve innovative dishes that surprise diners.

Middle English 'serven', from Old French 'seruir', from Latin 'servire' meaning 'to be a slave, to serve'.

serve one's purpose

to fulfill a function or need.

serve a sentence

to spend time in prison as punishment.

serve notice

to give formal notification, especially regarding legal matters.

service

the action of helping or doing work for someone.

servant

a person who performs duties for others, often in a household.

servitude

the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful.

To serve someone notice.

He served her notice to leave the property.

To serve up some drama.

She really served up some drama at the party.