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1.
(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
his powerful serves won the game
'serve' - used as a verb
2.
serve a purpose, role, or function
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
3.
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
He served as head of the department for three years
She served in Congress for two terms
4.
contribute or conduce to
The scandal served to increase his popularity
5.
be used by; as of a utility
The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
The garage served to shelter his horses
6.
help to some food; help with food or drink
I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
7.
provide (usually but not necessarily food)
We serve meals for the homeless
The entertainers served up a lively show
8.
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
She served the art of music
He served the church
serve the country
9.
promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
Art serves commerce
Their interests are served
The lake serves recreation
The President's wisdom has served the country well
10.
spend time in prison or in a labor camp
11.
work for or be a servant to
May I serve you?
The minister served the King for many years
12.
deliver a warrant or summons to someone
13.
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
Nothing else will serve
14.
do military service
She served in Vietnam
My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
15.
mate with
male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
16.
put the ball into play
It was Agassi's turn to serve
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derived forms
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1. Serve / Plural
serves
2. Serve / Past
served
3. Serve / Third Person
serves
4. Serve / Present Participle
serving
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