serve

1 of 2verb

/sɝv/

Forms:serves,serving,served,served

to offer or present food or drink to someone

A2transitive

Pour the sauce over the pasta and serve it immediately.
The waiter served the appetizers before the main course.
He served a delicious homemade pie for dessert.
They served tea in fine china during the afternoon gathering.
The cheese is best served at room temperature.

Synonyms:

to initiate play in a sport by hitting a ball or object from a designated location using a specific technique, as dictated by the rules of the game

He stepped up to serve, aiming for the corner of the opponent's court.
Who's serving?
He practiced for hours to improve his ability to serve in tennis.
The match resumed as the player served the shuttlecock into the air.
The player served the volleyball over the net, setting the pace for the game.

to be of use or help in fulfilling or accomplishing something

transitive

A large cardboard box will serve the purpose.
Art serves an important function in our society.
These experiments serve no useful purpose.
This tool serves a dual purpose: it cuts and polishes simultaneously.
The meeting served its purpose by addressing all the issues on the agenda.

Synonyms:

function

to work for a specified organization or in a specific role for a period of time

Henry served as a member of numerous committees and commissions.
Mr. Russell served as president of the Association for fifteen years.
She was elected to serve as secretary of the local party.
The judge served in the courtroom for over 30 years, handling many landmark cases.
The ambassador served in multiple countries, representing the interests of his home nation.

to produce a specific result or effect

transitive

His actions served to strengthen their relationship.
Her words served to reassure the anxious crowd.
His actions served only to make the situation worse.
The new evidence served to complicate the investigation.

to offer assistance or services that help meet the needs or improve the well-being of someone

transitive

The charity serves the homeless by providing food and shelter.
The health clinic serves low-income families with affordable medical care.
This new app serves travelers by helping them find the best local restaurants.
The foundation serves at-risk youth by offering educational programs and mentorship.
The non-profit serves the elderly, offering transportation to medical appointments.

Synonyms:

service

to offer or give someone food or drink, typically as a gesture of hospitality or during a meal

The hostess served her guests a hearty meal with warm bread.
He served her a glass of wine to accompany the dinner.
The bartender served him a cold beer after a long day.
A tray of snacks was served by the host, who made sure everyone had enough to nibble on.
"Can I serve you some dessert?"she asked, offering a slice of cake.

Synonyms:

help

to dedicate a portion of one's life, time, or efforts to supporting a cause, institution, or belief

transitive

He served his country by joining the military and dedicating his life to national defense.
She served the community for decades, working with local charities to improve education.
Many great leaders have served the ideals of justice and equality throughout their lives.
He served the cause of human rights, traveling to conflict zones to advocate for peace.
He served the ideals of freedom and democracy, speaking out against any form of oppression.

to be suitable, advantageous, or occur at a convenient or favorable time

The weather served for their outdoor wedding, with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
The timing of the meeting served, as they had just completed the project.
The conditions served in their favor during the competition.
His calm demeanor served when dealing with the difficult customers.
The location of the new office serves perfectly for the team’s needs.

Synonyms:

serve well

to deliver a legal document, such as a summons or writ, to the intended recipient in a formal and official manner in accordance with legal procedures and requirements

He said his lawyer would serve a writ to the multinational corporation within a week.
She was served with a summons to appear in court.
The notice must be served to the tenant and include a legal description of the breach they have committed.
They hired a process server to serve the legal papers to the witness.
The lawyer arranged for the eviction notice to be served to the tenant.

Synonyms:

process swear out

to work for or assist someone, typically by performing duties or tasks

transitive

He served the royal family for many years, attending to their needs with loyalty.
The maid served the family, making sure their home was always tidy.
They hired someone to serve them during the event, ensuring all guests were comfortable.
She serves the elderly by helping with daily chores and errands.
The butler served the guests, ensuring everyone had everything they needed.

Synonyms:

attend attend to wait on assist

to spend a period of time being locked up in prison

transitive

He was convicted of robbery and had to serve five years in prison.
She served her time and was released on good behavior.
After being caught for drug trafficking, he had to serve a 10-year sentence.
After serving his sentence, he struggled to adjust to life outside of prison.
He was in and out of jail, having served time for various offenses.

Synonyms:

to engage in copulation, as a male breeding animal with a female, in order to produce offspring

transitive

The stud dog was brought in to serve the female for breeding.
The stallion served the mare during the breeding season.
The rooster served several hens to ensure fertile eggs.
The farmer carefully selected which bulls would serve the cows.
The breeder allowed the male cat to serve the female to improve their lineage.

Synonyms:

service

to be employed or work as a member of the military or armed forces

He decided to serve in the army after graduating from high school.
She served in the Navy for over ten years before retiring.
After the war, he continued to serve in the National Guard.
The soldiers are trained to serve in both peacetime and wartime conditions.
The general served in various roles before reaching the top of the ranks.

(of an amount of food) to be sufficient enough for a particular number of people

transitive

The recipe serves four people.
This dish will serve four hungry people.
The soup was enough to serve ten guests at the dinner party.
The roast chicken will serve six people for dinner.
One cake should serve all the party guests.

Synonyms:

do answer suffice

to assist customers by providing what they need in a store or business

transitive

She always tries to serve her clients' needs as best as she can.
The cashier served the customer with a smile.
The employee served the customer by explaining the product details.
The store staff served the customers with a smile and friendly attitude.
She served the customer by helping him find the right shoes.

to trick or deceive someone, often as a joke or prank

transitive

They were all in on it, serving him a trick that made him look silly in front of everyone.
I can't believe she served me like that—pretending she didn't know what happened.
He thought he was being helpful, but really, he was just serving me a trick.
She served her friend by telling her a made-up story.
She tried to serve me with a trick, but I figured it out right away.

to treat or handle someone in a particular manner

transitive

They were served poorly by the rude clerk at the counter.
She felt that her concerns were not being properly served during the meeting.
The coach serves the team with clear strategies and constant support.
They were served unjustly when their complaints were ignored.

to provide a product or service to a group of people or an area

transitive

They serve the entire city with free Wi-Fi in public parks.
The hotel serves tourists with comfortable rooms and great amenities.
The team serves its fans with community events.
This store serves the local community with fresh produce.

to operate or use a weapon, especially in a military context

transitive

They were ready to serve the weapons at a moment’s notice.
The soldier served the anti-aircraft gun during the attack.
The crew served the weapons with precision during the battle.
He was assigned to serve the cannon on the ship.
She had to serve the heavy machine gun during the mission.

to wear or present an outfit or look with style and confidence

She's really serving in that dress tonight.
Not gonna lie, your outfit serves.
He served his look at the party and turned heads.
That suit is serving major vibes.
They all served their best outfits at the wedding.

to sell or supply drugs to others

He serves weed to his friends at the party.
She is serving pills to people at the festival.
They have served drugs together for a few months.
He will serve some MDMA later tonight.
Police arrested someone caught serving cocaine on the street.