serve

Definitions

1. 1transitive verb

   To work for; to labor in behalf of; to exert one's self continuously or statedly for the benefit of; to do service for; to be in the employment of, as an inferior, domestic, serf, slave, hired assistant, official helper, etc.; specifically, in a religious sense, to obey and worship.

2. 2transitive verb

   To be subordinate to; to act a secondary part under; to appear as the inferior of; to minister to.

3. 3transitive verb

   To be suitor to; to profess love to.

4. 4transitive verb

   To wait upon; to supply the wants of; to attend; specifically, to wait upon at table; to attend at meals; to supply with food; as, to serve customers in a shop.

5. 5transitive verb

   Hence, to bring forward, arrange, deal, or distribute, as a portion of anything, especially of food prepared for eating; -- often with up; formerly with in.

6. 6transitive verb

   To perform the duties belonging to, or required in or for; hence, to be of use to; as, a curate may serve two churches; to serve one's country.

7. 7transitive verb

   To contribute or conduce to; to promote; to be sufficient for; to satisfy; as, to serve one's turn.

8. 8transitive verb

   To answer or be (in the place of something) to; as, a sofa serves one for a seat and a couch.

9. 9transitive verb

   To treat; to behave one's self to; to requite; to act toward; as, he served me very ill.

10. 10transitive verb

    To work; to operate; as, to serve the guns.

11. 11transitive verb

    To bring to notice, deliver, or execute, either actually or constructively, in such manner as the law requires; as, to serve a summons.

12. 12transitive verb

    To make legal service opon (a person named in a writ, summons, etc.); as, to serve a witness with a subp/na.

13. 13transitive verb

    To pass or spend, as time, esp. time of punishment; as, to serve a term in prison.

14. 14transitive verb

    To copulate with; to cover; as, a horse serves a mare; -- said of the male.

15. 15transitive verb

    To lead off in delivering (the ball).

16. 16transitive verb

    To wind spun yarn, or the like, tightly around (a rope or cable, etc.) so as to protect it from chafing or from the weather. See under Serving.

17. 17intransitive verb

    To be a servant or a slave; to be employed in labor or other business for another; to be in subjection or bondage; to render menial service.

18. 18intransitive verb

    To perform domestic offices; to be occupied with household affairs; to prepare and dish up food, etc.

19. 19intransitive verb

    To be in service; to do duty; to discharge the requirements of an office or employment. Specifically, to act in the public service, as a soldier, seaman. etc.

20. 20intransitive verb

    To be of use; to answer a purpose; to suffice; to suit; to be convenient or favorable.

21. 21intransitive verb

    To lead off in delivering the ball.

22. 22noun

    (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

    "his powerful serves won the game"

    Synonyms

    service
23. 23verb

    put the ball into play

    "It was Agassi's turn to serve"

24. 24verb

    do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function

    "He served as head of the department for three years"

    "She served in Congress for two terms"

25. 25verb

    provide (usually but not necessarily food)

    "We serve meals for the homeless"

    "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M."

    Synonyms

    dish
26. 26verb

    help to some food; help with food or drink

    "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"

    Synonyms

    help
27. 27verb

    mate with

    "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"

    Synonyms

    service
28. 28verb

    deliver a warrant or summons to someone

    "He was processed by the sheriff"

    Synonyms

    process
29. 29verb

    do military service

    "She served in Vietnam"

    "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"

30. 30verb

    work for or be a servant to

    "May I serve you?"

    "She attends the old lady in the wheelchair"

    Synonyms

    assistattend
31. 31verb

    be used by; as of a utility

    "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"

    "The garage served to shelter his horses"

    Synonyms

    service
32. 32verb

    devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

    "She served the art of music"

    "He served the church"

33. 33verb

    be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

    "A few words would answer"

    "This car suits my purpose well"

    Synonyms

    answerdosuffice
34. 34verb

    contribute or conduce to

    "The scandal served to increase his popularity"

35. 35verb

    promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

    "Art serves commerce"

    "Their interests are served"

36. 36verb

    serve a purpose, role, or function

    "The tree stump serves as a table"

    "The female students served as a control group"

    Synonyms

    function
37. 37verb

    spend time in prison or in a labor camp

    "He did six years for embezzlement"

    Synonyms

    do