Search results for 'serve':

serve verb (served, serving) 1 to work for someone as a domestic servant; to be in the service of someone. 2 intrans to be a servant. 3 to work for the benefit of someone; to aid • He serves the community well. 4 tr & intr to attend to customers in a shop, etc; to provide to customers. 5 tr & intr to attend to the needs or requirements of someone • These shoes have served me well. 6 tr & intr to bring, distribute or present (food or drink) to someone. 7 intrans to wait at table. 8 to provide with or supply materials. 9 to render service and obedience to someone • to serve God • to serve the country. 10 intrans to carry out duties as a member of some body or organization • They serve on a committee. 11 intrans to act as a member of the armed forces • We served in the marines • We served in France. 12 to provide specified facilities • There are trams serving the entire city. 13 tr & intr to be of use; to suffice or fulfil a need • There's no chair, but this box will serve • This will serve our purpose. 14 intrans to have a specific effect or result • His speech just served to make matters worse. 15 to undergo as a requirement • You have to serve an apprenticeship. 16 tr & intr in racket sports: to put (the ball) into play. 17 law to deliver or present (a legal document) • serve with a writ • He served a summons on her. 18 said of a male animal: to copulate with (a female). 19 naut to bind (rope, etc) with cord to guard and strengthen it. noun in racket sports: an act of serving. serve one's time to undergo an apprenticeship or term in office. serve someone right colloq to be the misfortune or punishment that they deserve. serve time to undergo a term of imprisonment.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin servire to serve.