serve definition

1. (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
• examples: his powerful serves won the game
2. serve a purpose, role, or function
• examples: The tree stump serves as a table
• examples: The female students served as a control group
• examples: This table would serve very well
• examples: His freedom served him well
• examples: The table functions as a desk
3. do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
• examples: He served as head of the department for three years
• examples: She served in Congress for two terms
4. contribute or conduce to
• examples: The scandal served to increase his popularity
5. help to some food; help with food or drink
• examples: I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
6. provide (usually but not necessarily food)
• examples: We serve meals for the homeless
• examples: She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
• examples: The entertainers served up a lively show
7. devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
• examples: She served the art of music
• examples: He served the church
• examples: serve the country
8. promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
• examples: Art serves commerce
• examples: Their interests are served
• examples: The lake serves recreation
• examples: The President's wisdom has served the country well
9. spend time in prison or in a labor camp
• examples: He did six years for embezzlement
10. work for or be a servant to
• examples: May I serve you?
• examples: She attends the old lady in the wheelchair
• examples: Can you wait on our table, please?
• examples: Is a salesperson assisting you?
• examples: The minister served the King for many years
11. deliver a warrant or summons to someone
• examples: He was processed by the sheriff
12. do military service
• examples: She served in Vietnam
• examples: My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
13. mate with
• examples: male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
14. put the ball into play
• examples: It was Agassi's turn to serve