serve

//sɜːrv//
A2Frequency Level 3Neutral
Visual representation of serve

Verb

serveInfinitive
servePresent tense
servedPast tense
servedPast participle
servingPresent participle
servesThird-person singular
1

to work for someone or an organization, especially by doing a particular job or duty

He served in the army for ten years.

2

to give food or drinks to someone, especially at a meal or in a restaurant

The waiter served us dinner at 7 o'clock.

3

to provide a service, help, or be useful to someone or something

This program serves the needs of local communities.

4

to spend a period of time in a particular place or doing a particular activity, especially in the military or in prison

He served two years in prison for theft.

5

to hit a ball to an opponent to start play in sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton

She served the ball to start the tennis match.

6

to be suitable or adequate for a particular purpose

This old table will serve our purpose for now.

Noun

1

the act of hitting a ball to an opponent to start play in sports such as tennis, volleyball, or badminton

Her serve was so powerful that her opponent couldn't return it.