English dictionary
serve
/s/[@]/rv/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
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(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
ExamplesHis powerful serves won the game.
Synonyms serviceSource: WordNet 3.0
verb
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serve a purpose, role, or function
ExamplesThe 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.
Synonyms functionSource: WordNet 3.0
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do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
ExamplesHe served as head of the department for three years.
She served in Congress for two terms.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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contribute or conduce to
ExamplesThe scandal served to increase his popularity.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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be used by; as of a utility
ExamplesThe sewage plant served the neighboring communities.
The garage served to shelter his horses.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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help to some food; help with food or drink
ExamplesI served him three times, and after that he helped himself.
Synonyms helpSource: WordNet 3.0
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provide (usually but not necessarily food)
ExamplesWe serve meals for the homeless.
The entertainers served up a lively show.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
ExamplesShe served the art of music.
He served the church.
Serve the country.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
ExamplesArt serves commerce.
Their interests are served.
The lake serves recreation.
The President's wisdom has served the country well.
Synonyms serve wellSource: WordNet 3.0
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spend time in prison or in a labor camp
Synonyms doSource: WordNet 3.0
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work for or be a servant to
ExamplesMay I serve you?
The minister served the King for many years.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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deliver a warrant or summons to someone
Source: WordNet 3.0
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be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
ExamplesNothing else will serve.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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do military service
ExamplesShe served in Vietnam.
My sons never served, because they are short-sighted.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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mate with
ExamplesMale animals serve the females for breeding purposes.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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put the ball into play
ExamplesIt was Agassi's turn to serve.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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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.
Source: webster1913
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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.
Source: webster1913