Definition of serve

Short definition: The word serve means to give help, support, or a service to others, such as offering food, doing a job, or meeting someone’s needs. The word serve is often used to describe caring actions and useful roles in daily life.

Looking for a clear and real-world explanation of the word serve? The word serve is used in many parts of daily life—from helping customers, providing food, working for an organization, supporting others, to performing a role in sports or public service. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, practical way with long examples that show how people actually use the word.

Verb forms: serve, serves, serving, served
Related: service n., server n., servant n., serving n.
Syllable: serve

1. (Verb) To give food or drinks to people, especially in a restaurant, café, or at an event.
   The waiter served dinner with a friendly smile, making sure every guest felt comfortable and welcome.
   She serves breakfast early every morning, even before most people in the neighborhood are awake.
   They served coffee and snacks during the meeting, which helped everyone stay focused for longer.

   Synonyms: provide, offer, deliver, present, dish out, supply, cater, wait on, bring, hand out, distribute, pour
   Antonyms: withhold, deny, refuse, neglect, deprive, ignore, starve, keep back, take away, remove, restrict, block

2. (Verb) To help, support, or do something useful for someone else.
   She chose to serve her community by volunteering at the local shelter, even when she already had a busy schedule.
   He believes that leaders should serve others, not just give orders from a distance.
   This organization exists to serve people in need, especially those who feel forgotten by society.

   Synonyms: help, assist, support, aid, benefit, care for, attend to, look after, stand by, back up, be of service to, contribute to
   Antonyms: harm, neglect, abandon, exploit, misuse, ignore, damage, undermine, take advantage of, betray, obstruct, hinder

3. (Verb) To work for an organization, government, or group, especially in an official or long-term role.
   He served in the army for more than ten years, gaining valuable experience and discipline.
   She serves on the school board, helping to improve education in her district.
   They are proud to serve their country in any way they can.

   Synonyms: work for, be employed by, hold office, act for, represent, dedicate oneself to, commit to, perform duties for, contribute professionally, take part in service, fulfill a role in, stand in for
   Antonyms: resign, quit, abandon duty, withdraw, step down, desert, defect, refuse to serve, neglect responsibilities, disengage, abandon post, give up position

4. (Verb) To be useful for a particular purpose or function.
   This room can serve as a temporary office while the main building is being renovated.
   The notebook served as a personal journal, where she recorded her thoughts every night.
   His experience will serve him well in future leadership roles.

   Synonyms: function as, act as, work as, be useful as, fulfill, suit, meet the need of, fit, apply to, be effective for, stand in for, replace
   Antonyms: fail, malfunction, be useless, fall short, be ineffective, misfit, disappoint, not work, break down, hinder use, obstruct purpose, be unsuitable

5. (Verb) To provide something officially, such as documents, legal notices, or punishment.
   The court served the official notice, giving the company time to respond to the charges.
   He was served with legal papers that required immediate attention.
   The referee served a warning after repeated rule violations.

   Synonyms: deliver, issue, present officially, hand over formally, provide officially, notify, administer, impose, convey legally, transmit, distribute formally, announce officially
   Antonyms: withdraw, cancel, withhold, ignore formally, dismiss, retract, revoke, deny officially, conceal notice, suppress information, block delivery, rescind

6. (Verb) To begin play in sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton by hitting or throwing the ball.
   She served the ball with confidence, sending it straight across the court.
   He practiced his serve every day, knowing that a strong start often decides the game.
   The player served carefully, trying not to risk a fault in such a critical moment.

   Synonyms: start play, open play, deliver the ball, put into play, launch, initiate, send over, open the rally, begin the point, start the game, toss in, kick off (informal)
   Antonyms: receive, return, field, defend, block, counter, respond, react to, take delivery of, catch, intercept, handle incoming

7. (Noun) The act of providing food, help, or assistance.
   The restaurant is known for its excellent service, which keeps customers coming back.
   Her years of public service earned her respect in the community.
   Quick and friendly service makes a big difference in customer experience.

   Synonyms: assistance, help, support, care, attention, aid, provision, maintenance, duty, contribution, attendance, work for others
   Antonyms: neglect, abandonment, indifference, disservice, harm, obstruction, hindrance, sabotage, damage, mistreatment, lack of care, disregard