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Definition of serve

serve

/sɜːrv/
serve

Plural:serves
•
Adjective:servable
•
Past Simple:served
•
Past Participle:served
•
Present Participle:serving
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serve Lexical Profile

serve Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To perform duties, work, or provide assistance for a person, organization, or cause.

Example

"She served on the city council for twelve years before retiring from public life."


2

To present and distribute food or drink to someone at a meal or in an establishment.

Example

"The hosts served warm apple cider to their guests upon arrival."


3

To be useful, satisfactory, or adequate for achieving a particular purpose or function.

Example

"This sturdy wooden crate will serve as a temporary coffee table until our furniture arrives."


4

To hit or put the ball or shuttlecock into play to start a point in games like tennis or volleyball.

Example

"It is your turn to serve from the right side of the court."


5

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.

Example

"The bailiff served the summons at the defendant's business address."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

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.

Example

"The tennis player won the match with an unstoppable serve in the final set."


2

Australian A single portion of food or drink provided to one person.

Example

"The restaurant offers a generous serve of roast vegetables with every main course."

Synonyms
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• 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).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Serve. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/serve
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