to act as a servant.

to wait on table, as a waiter.

to offer or have a meal or refreshments available, as for patrons or guests

Come early, we're serving at six.

to offer or distribute a portion or portions of food or a beverage, as a host or hostess

It was her turn to serve at the faculty tea.

to render assistance; be of use; help.

to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.

to have definite use

This cup will serve as a sugar bowl.

to answer the purpose

That will serve to explain my actions.

(in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) to put the ball or shuttlecock in play with a stroke, swing, or hit.

to be favorable, suitable, or convenient, as weather or time.

Ecclesiastical . to act as a server.

to be in the service of; work for.

to be useful or of service to; help.

to go through (a term of service, imprisonment, etc.).

to render active service to (a sovereign, commander, etc.).

to render obedience or homage to (God, a sovereign, etc.).

to perform the duties of (a position, an office, etc.)

to serve his mayoralty.

to answer the requirements of; suffice

This will serve our needs for the moment.

to contribute to; promote

to serve a cause.

to wait upon at table; act as a waiter or waitress to.

to carry and distribute (portions of food or drink) to a patron or a specific table, as a waiter or waitress.

to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink

May I serve you with some tea and cake?

to act as a host or hostess in offering or distributing (a portion or portions of food or drink) to another

They served tea and cake to their guests.

to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something.

(in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) to put (the ball or shuttlecock) in play.

to treat in a specified manner

That served him ill.

Law .

to make legal delivery of (a process or writ).

to present (a person) with a writ.

to gratify (desire, wants, needs, etc.).

(of a male animal) to mate with; service.

to operate or keep in action (a gun, artillery, etc.).

Nautical . to wrap (a rope) tightly with small stuff, keeping the turns as close together as possible.

the act, manner, or right of serving, as in tennis. ?

serve one right, to treat one as one deserves

esp. to punish justly

It will serve you right if she never speaks to you again.

verb

receive , take , refrain , refuse

verb

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