English to English noun
1 |
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play |  | Example: his powerful serves won the game
source: wordnet30 verb
2 |
serve a purpose, role, or function |  | Example: 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
source: wordnet30
3 |
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function |  | Example: He served as head of the department for three years She served in Congress for two terms
source: wordnet30
4 |
contribute or conduce to |  | Example: The scandal served to increase his popularity
source: wordnet30
5 |
be used by; as of a utility |  | Example: The sewage plant served the neighboring communities The garage served to shelter his horses
source: wordnet30
6 |
help to some food; help with food or drink |  | Example: I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
source: wordnet30
7 |
provide (usually but not necessarily food) |  | Example: We serve meals for the homeless She dished out the soup at 8 P.M. The entertainers served up a lively show
source: wordnet30
8 |
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas |  | Example: She served the art of music He served the church serve the country
source: wordnet30
9 |
promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to |  | Example: Art serves commerce Their interests are served The lake serves recreation The President's wisdom has served the country well
source: wordnet30
10 |
spend time in prison or in a labor camp |  | Example: He did six years for embezzlement
source: wordnet30
11 |
work for or be a servant to |  | Example: 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
source: wordnet30
12 |
deliver a warrant or summons to someone |  | Example: He was processed by the sheriff
source: wordnet30
13 |
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity |  | Example: 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
source: wordnet30
14 |
do military service |  | Example: She served in Vietnam My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
source: wordnet30
15 |
mate with |  | Example: male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
source: wordnet30
16 |
put the ball into play |  | Example: It was Agassi's turn to serve
source: wordnet30
17 |
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
18 |
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
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