Definition: (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
Usage: his powerful serves won the game
Main entry: serve
Definition: put the ball into play
Usage: It was Agassi's turn to serve
Main entry: serve
Definition: do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
Usage: He served as head of the department for three years; She served in Congress for two terms
Main entry: dish, dish out, dish up, serve, serve up
Definition: provide (usually but not necessarily food)
Usage: We serve meals for the homeless; She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.; The entertainers served up a lively show
Definition: help to some food; help with food or drink
Usage: I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
Definition: mate with
Usage: male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
Main entry: process, serve, swear out
Definition: deliver a warrant or summons to someone
Usage: He was processed by the sheriff
Main entry: serve
Definition: do military service
Usage: She served in Vietnam; My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
Main entry: assist, attend, attend to, wait on, serve
Definition: work for or be a servant to
Usage: 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
Definition: be used by; as of a utility
Usage: The sewage plant served the neighboring communities; The garage served to shelter his horses
Main entry: serve
Definition: devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
Usage: She served the art of music; He served the church; serve the country
Main entry: suffice, do, answer, serve
Definition: be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
Usage: 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
Main entry: serve
Definition: contribute or conduce to
Usage: The scandal served to increase his popularity
Main entry: serve, serve well
Definition: promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
Usage: Art serves commerce; Their interests are served; The lake serves recreation; The President's wisdom has served the country well
Definition: serve a purpose, role, or function
Usage: 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
Definition: spend time in prison or in a labor camp
Usage: He did six years for embezzlement