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Definition serve in British English

serve verb

verb
/sɜː(r)v/
1

to provide food and drink for someone to eat at a meal

Example

A light meal will be served during the flight.

Example

All dishes are served with a salad.

Example

A complimentary afternoon tea is served to all guests.

Example

Dinner is served between 7 and 10 pm.

Example

The waiter served them both with salmon poached in white wine.

Example

Carolyn served them tea and cake in the garden.

Example

The cheese is best served at room temperature.

Synonyms and related words
accommodate serve cater
1.1

to put food onto a plate for someone

Example

We were served huge portions of spare ribs.

Synonyms and related words
accommodate serve cater
1.2

to be enough food for a particular number of people

Example

The recipe serves four as a light lunch.

Synonyms and related words
accommodate serve cater
2

to do a job or to perform duties for a person or organization

Example

He served more than 20 years in the army.

Example

Frank has served this company his whole working life.

Example

Mr Russell served as president of the Association for fifteen years.

Example

Henry served on numerous committees and commissions.

Example

I met my wife, Rachel, while serving in the Royal Navy.

Example

Sylvie served her apprenticeship with a top Paris designer.

Synonyms and related words
work serve collaborate
3

to be used for a particular purpose, especially not the main or original purpose

Example

Their spare room also serves as an office.

Example

The decision should serve as a warning to companies that pollute the environment.

Example

His death serves to remind us just how dangerous using drugs can be.

Synonyms and related words
repurpose go towards bring in
4

to help to achieve something

Example

That's a stupid rule. What purpose is it supposed to serve?

Example

They voted for a chairman who might better serve their interests.

Example

His ability to get on with people served him well in setting up his own business.

Synonyms and related words
help assist support
5

to spend time in prison

Example

She served time in Holloway for assaulting a police officer.

Example

He's serving a life sentence for murder.

Synonyms and related words
behind bars captive captivity
6

to provide a group of people or an area with something useful

Example

These gas pipes serve the whole area.

Example

a new hospital to serve the needs of the local community

Synonyms and related words
provide supply equip
7

to help customers to buy goods in a shop, especially by bringing them things or helping them to choose what they need

Synonyms and related words
serve attend to wait on someone hand and foot
8

to officially give someone a legal document that orders them to do something

Example

She was served with a summons to appear in court.

Example

The notice must be served upon the tenant and include a legal description of the breach they have committed.

Synonyms and related words
acquit acquittal affiliation order
9

to hit a ball to your opponent in order to start playing for a point in a game such as tennis

Synonyms and related words
strike at kick play
Definition serve in British English