English dictionary
serve meaning and definition
Definition and meaning of serve at MeaningMonkey.org. serve meaning and definition in the English Dictionary.SERVE noun
Definition of serve (noun)
- (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
- "his powerful serves won the game"
- synonyms: service
SERVE verb
Definition of serve (verb)
- 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"
- synonyms: function
- 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"
- contribute or conduce to
- "The scandal served to increase his popularity"
- be used by; as of a utility
- "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses"
- synonyms: service
- help to some food; help with food or drink
- "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
- synonyms: help
- provide (usually but not necessarily food)
- 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"
- 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"
- synonyms: serve well
- spend time in prison or in a labor camp
- "He did six years for embezzlement"
- synonyms: do
- work for or be a servant to
- deliver a warrant or summons to someone
- be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
- do military service
- "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"
- mate with
- "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"
- synonyms: service
- put the ball into play
- "It was Agassi's turn to serve"
Source: Princeton University Wordnet