serving Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
   helping; portion.
   
   • the helpings were all small
   • his portion was larger than hers
   • there's enough for two servings each
2. noun the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone
   service of process; service.
   
   • he accepted service of the subpoena
3. verb serve a purpose, role, or function
   function; serve.
   
   • The tree stump serves as a table
   • The female students served as a control group
   • This table would serve very well
   • His freedom served him well
   • The table functions as a desk
4. verb do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
   serve.
   
   • He served as head of the department for three years
   • She served in Congress for two terms
5. verb contribute or conduce to
   serve.
   
   • The scandal served to increase his popularity
6. verb be used by; as of a utility
   serve; service.
   
   • The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
   • The garage served to shelter his horses
7. verb help to some food; help with food or drink
   serve; help.
   
   • I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
8. verb provide (usually but not necessarily food)
   dish; dish out; serve up; serve; dish up.
   
   • We serve meals for the homeless
   • She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
   • The entertainers served up a lively show
9. verb devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
   serve.
   
   • She served the art of music
   • He served the church
   • serve the country
10. verb promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
    serve; serve well.
    
    • Art serves commerce
    • Their interests are served
    • The lake serves recreation
    • The President's wisdom has served the country well
11. verb spend time in prison or in a labor camp
    do; serve.
    
    • He did six years for embezzlement
12. verb work for or be a servant to
    attend; assist; serve; attend to; wait on.
    
    • May I serve you?
    • She attends the old lady in the wheelchair
    • Can you wait on our table, please?
    • Is a salesperson assisting you?
    • The minister served the King for many years
13. verb deliver a warrant or summons to someone
    process; swear out; serve.
    
    • He was processed by the sheriff
14. verb be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
    answer; do; suffice; serve.
    
    • A few words would answer
    • This car suits my purpose well
    • Will $100 do?
    • A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school
    • Nothing else will serve
15. verb do military service
    serve.
    
    • She served in Vietnam
    • My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
16. verb mate with
    serve; service.
    
    • male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
17. verb put the ball into play
    serve.
    
    • It was Agassi's turn to serve

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