English · Common Verbs
serve
/sɜːv/
[/sɜːv/]
provide service; give food
Intermediateverb
Definition
To do work that helps people, or to give someone food or drink. It covers both duty and hospitality.
Example
The waiter will serve dinner as soon as all the guests arrive.
The waiter will serve dinner as soon as all the guests arrive.
Etymology
From Old French 'servir', from Latin 'servire' (to be a servant), from 'servus' (slave).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in hospitality, duty, and sport.