serve
serve Lexical Profile
serve Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To perform duties, work, or provide assistance for a person, organization, or cause.
"She served on the city council for twelve years before retiring from public life."
To present and distribute food or drink to someone at a meal or in an establishment.
"The hosts served warm apple cider to their guests upon arrival."
To be useful, satisfactory, or adequate for achieving a particular purpose or function.
"This sturdy wooden crate will serve as a temporary coffee table until our furniture arrives."
To hit or put the ball or shuttlecock into play to start a point in games like tennis or volleyball.
"It is your turn to serve from the right side of the court."
To formally deliver a legal document, such as a subpoena or writ, to the person named in it, or to undergo a specified period of imprisonment.
"The bailiff served the summons at the defendant's business address."
• noun
An act of hitting or putting the ball or shuttlecock into play to begin a point in racket and net sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton.
"The tennis player won the match with an unstoppable serve in the final set."
Australian A single portion of food or drink provided to one person.
"The restaurant offers a generous serve of roast vegetables with every main course."
• Rhymes for serve
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'servir', which derives from the Latin 'servire' (to be a slave or servant), from 'servus' (slave).