serve
Third Person
serves
Present Participle
serving
Past Tense
served
Past Participle
served
1
to offer or present food or drink to someone
transitive
- 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.
2
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.
3
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:
4
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.
5
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.
6
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:
7
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:
8
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.
9
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:
10
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.
11
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.
12
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:
13
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:
14
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.
15
(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.
16
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.
17
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.
18
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.
19
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.
20
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.
21
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.
22
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.