Meaning of 'serve'

noun

a stroke that puts the ball in play

Example: "My powerful serves won the game."

Synonyms: service

verb

put the ball into play

Example: "It was Agassi's turn to serve"

verb

do duty or hold offices

Example: "serve in a specific function"

verb

provide (usually but not necessarily food)

Example: "We serve meals for the homeless"

Synonyms: dish

verb

help to some food

Synonyms: help

verb

mate with

Example: "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"

Synonyms: service

verb

deliver a warrant or summons to someone

Synonyms: process

verb

do military service

Example: "I served two tours in Vietnam."

verb

work for or be a servant to

Example: "May I serve you?"

Synonyms: assist

verb

be used by

Synonyms: service

verb

devote one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

Example: "I served the art of music."

verb

be sufficient

Synonyms: answer do go around suffice

verb

contribute or conduce to

Example: "My programming skills serve to advance my career, but my true calling is the outdoors."

verb

promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

Example: "Art serves commerce"

Synonyms: serve well

verb

serve a purpose, role, or function

Example: "The tree stump serves as a table"

Synonyms: function

verb

spend time in prison or in a labor camp

Synonyms: do