serve meaning and definition

SERVE noun

Definition of serve (noun)

1. (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
   • "his powerful serves won the game"
   • synonyms: service

SERVE verb

Definition of serve (verb)

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"
   • synonyms: function
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"
   • synonyms: service
5. help to some food; help with food or drink
   • "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
   • synonyms: help
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"
   • synonyms: dish, dish out, dish up, serve up
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"
   • synonyms: serve well
9. spend time in prison or in a labor camp
   • "He did six years for embezzlement"
   • synonyms: do
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"
    • synonyms: assist, attend, attend to, wait on
11. deliver a warrant or summons to someone
    • "He was processed by the sheriff"
    • synonyms: process, swear out
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"
    • synonyms: answer, do, suffice
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"
    • synonyms: service
15. put the ball into play
    • "It was Agassi's turn to serve"