Definition

1. Noun:

   • The action of helping or doing work for someone: "Service" can refer to the act of providing assistance, performing duties, or supplying a useful function.
   • A system supplying a public need: "Service" also denotes an organized system or facility that meets a public requirement, such as transportation or utilities.
   • A religious ceremony: In a religious context, "service" means a formal ceremony of worship.
   • The act of serving in tennis, volleyball, etc.: In sports, "service" is the stroke or act that begins play by putting the ball into motion.
   • A set of dishes or utensils: "Service" can refer to a complete matching set of articles used for dining.
   • Employment in the armed forces or an organization: "Service" indicates a period of working for an institution, especially the military or a government body.

2. Verb:

   • To perform maintenance or repair work: The verb "service" means to check, maintain, or repair a machine or vehicle.
   • To provide with a service: It can also mean to supply a service to an area or community.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The hotel is known for its impeccable service. (The hotel is known for its excellent assistance and work for guests.)
  • The bus service in this city is very reliable. (The system of public transportation here functions well.)
  • We attended the morning service at the cathedral. (We went to the religious ceremony in the morning.)
  • Her powerful service gave her an immediate advantage in the match. (Her act of putting the ball into play was strong.)
  • She received a beautiful silver tea service as a wedding gift. (She got a complete set of silver items for serving tea.)
  • He retired after twenty years of service in the navy. (He stopped working after two decades of employment in the naval force.)

• Verb:

  • I need to service my car before the long trip. (I need to have my car maintained and checked.)
  • The new power plant will service three neighboring towns. (The new facility will supply electricity to three nearby towns.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be of service": to be helpful or useful.

  • I hope this information is of service to you. (I hope this information is helpful for you.)

• "To see service": to have experience, especially in the military or in active use.

  • This old truck has seen service in several different countries. (This old truck has been used in several different countries.)

• "In service": currently operating or available for use; also, employed as a servant.

  • The new train line is now in service. (The new train line is now operating.)
  • Her grandmother was in service to a wealthy family. (Her grandmother worked as a servant for a wealthy family.)

Variants and Related Words

• Servicing (n): The action of maintaining or repairing equipment.

  • The regular servicing of the aircraft is mandatory. (The regular maintenance of the aircraft is required.)

• Serviceable (adj): Usable or functional, though not necessarily new or perfect.

  • The coat was old but still serviceable. (The coat was old but still functional.)

• Self-service (adj/n): A system where customers serve themselves.

  • It's a self-service gas station. (It is a gas station where customers pump their own fuel.)

Synonyms

• Assistance: The action of helping someone.
• Maintenance: The process of preserving or keeping something in good condition.
• Ceremony: A formal religious or public occasion.
• Duty: A task or action one is required to perform.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Service is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The primary meanings are covered by the verb itself (e.g., to service a machine).

Related Idioms

• At your service: Ready to help you.

  • If you need anything, I am at your service. (If you need anything, I am ready to help you.)

• Press into service: To make someone or something do work, often unexpectedly.

  • When the printer broke, the old photocopier was pressed into service. (When the printer broke, the old photocopier had to be used instead.)

Noun

1. the performance of duties by a waiter or servant
   • that restaurant has excellent service
2. periodic maintenance on a car or machine
   • it was time for an overhaul on the tractor
3. the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone
   • he accepted service of the subpoena
4. (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
   • his powerful serves won the game
5. (law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him
6. the act of mating by male animals
   • the bull was worth good money in servicing fees
7. tableware consisting of a complete set of articles (silver or dishware) for use at table
8. a means of serving
   • of no avail
   • there's no help for it
9. Canadian writer (born in England) who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory (1874-1958)
10. a force that is a branch of the armed forces
11. employment in or work for another
    • he retired after 30 years of service
12. a company or agency that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
13. the act of public worship following prescribed rules
    • the Sunday service
14. an act of help or assistance
    • he did them a service
15. work done by one person or group that benefits another
    • budget separately for goods and services

Verb

1. mate with
   • male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
2. make fit for use
   • service my truck
   • the washing machine needs to be serviced
3. be used by; as of a utility
   • The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
   • The garage served to shelter his horses