Meaning & Definition of Serve in English

1. (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

• "His powerful serves won the game"

1. Serve a purpose, role, or function

• "The tree stump serves as a table"

• "The female students served as a control group"

• "This table would serve very well"

• "His freedom served him well"

• "The table functions as a desk"

2. Do duty or hold offices

• Serve in a specific function

• "He served as head of the department for three years"

• "She served in congress for two terms"

3. Contribute or conduce to

• "The scandal served to increase his popularity"

4. Be used by

• As of a utility

• "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"

• "The garage served to shelter his horses"

5. Help to some food

• Help with food or drink

• "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"

6. Provide (usually but not necessarily food)

• "We serve meals for the homeless"

• "She dished out the soup at 8 p.m."

• "The entertainers served up a lively show"

7. Devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

• "She served the art of music"

• "He served the church"

• "Serve the country"

8. Promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

• "Art serves commerce"

• "Their interests are served"

• "The lake serves recreation"

• "The president's wisdom has served the country well"

9. Spend time in prison or in a labor camp

• "He did six years for embezzlement"

10. Work for or be a servant to

• "May i serve you?"

• "She attends the old lady in the wheelchair"

• "Can you wait on our table, please?"

• "Is a salesperson assisting you?"

• "The minister served the king for many years"

11. Deliver a warrant or summons to someone

• "He was processed by the sheriff"

12. Be sufficient

• Be adequate, either in quality or quantity

• "A few words would answer"

• "This car suits my purpose well"

• "Will $100 do?"

• "A 'b' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"

• "Nothing else will serve"

13. Do military service

• "She served in vietnam"

• "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"

14. Mate with

• "Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"

15. Put the ball into play

• "It was agassi's turn to serve"