n.

1. (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play;
   service
   
   • his powerful serves won the game

v.

1. serve a purpose, role, or function;
   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
   • The table functions as a desk
2. 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
3. contribute or conduce to
   
   • The scandal served to increase his popularity
4. be used by; as of a utility;
   service
   
   • The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
   • The garage served to shelter his horses
5. help to some food; help with food or drink;
   help
   
   • I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
6. provide (usually but not necessarily food);
   serve up, dish out, dish up, dish
   
   • We serve meals for the homeless
   • She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
   • The entertainers served up a lively show
7. 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
8. promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to;
   serve well
   
   • Art serves commerce
   • Their interests are served
   • The lake serves recreation
   • The President's wisdom has served the country well
9. spend time in prison or in a labor camp;
   do
   
   • He did six years for embezzlement
10. work for or be a servant to;
    attend to, wait on, attend, assist
    
    • 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
11. deliver a warrant or summons to someone;
    process, swear out
    
    • He was processed by the sheriff
12. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity;
    suffice, do, answer
    
    • 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
13. do military service
    
    • She served in Vietnam
    • My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
14. mate with;
    service
    
    • male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
15. put the ball into play
    
    • It was Agassi's turn to serve