Dictionary definition for: Serve

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

2. (v) 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" "The table functions as a desk"

3. (v) 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. (v) contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity"

5. (v) be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities" "The garage served to shelter his horses"

6. (v) help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"

7. (v) provide (usually but not necessarily food) "We serve meals for the homeless" "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M." "The entertainers served up a lively show"

8. (v) 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. (v) 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 counrty well"

10. (v) spend time in prison or in a labor camp; "He did six years for embezzlement"

11. (v) work for or be a servant to; "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"

12. (v) deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed by the sheriff"

13. (v) be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "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"

14. (v) do military service; "She served in Vietnam" "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"

15. (v) mate with; "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"

16. (v) put the ball into play; "It was Agassi''s turn to serve"