ser·vice
(sūr
v
s)
KEY
NOUN:
-
- Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government:
has been in the company's service for 15 years.
- A government branch or department and its employees:
the diplomatic service.
-
- The armed forces of a nation:
joined the service right after college.
- A branch of the armed forces of a nation.
- The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant:
found the butler's service to be excellent.
-
- Work done for others as an occupation or business:
has done service for us as a consultant.
- An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay:
offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.
- A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care:
the anesthesiology service.
- Installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer:
a dealer with full parts and service.
- A facility providing the public with the use of something, such as water or transportation.
-
- Assistance; help:
was of great service to him during his illness.
- An act of assistance or benefit; a favor:
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
-
- Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
- A religious rite.
-
- The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.
- A set of dishes or utensils:
a silver tea service.
-
Sports
The act, manner, or right of serving in many court games; a serve.
- Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
-
Law
The serving of a writ or summons.
- The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.
- An answering service.
TRANSITIVE VERB:
ser·viced
,
ser·vic·ing
,
ser·vic·es
- To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain:
service a car.
- To provide services to.
- To make interest payments on (a debt).
-
- To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
-
Slang
To have sex with.
ADJECTIVE:
- Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.
- Intended for use in supplying or serving:
a service elevator; the service entrance.
- Offering repairs or maintenance:
a service guarantee; a road service area.
- Offering services to the public in response to need or demand:
a service industry.
IDIOMS:
at (someone's) service
- Ready to help or be of use.
be of service
- To be ready to help or be useful.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin
servitium,
slavery, from
servus,
slave
Usage Note:
Aside from specialized senses in finance (
service a debt) and animal breeding (
service a mare), the verb
service is used principally in the sense "to repair or maintain":
service the washing machine. In the sense "to supply goods or services to,"
serve is the correct choice:
One radio network serves three states.
