serve

Noun

• (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
  • his powerful serves won the game
    

Verb

• put the ball into play
  • It was Agassi's turn to serve
    

• mate with
  • male animals serve the females for breeding purposes
    

• do military service
  • She served in Vietnam
    
  • My sons never served, because they are short-sighted
    

• 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
    

• deliver a warrant or summons to someone
  • He was processed by the sheriff
    

• 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
    

• spend time in prison or in a labor camp
  • He did six years for embezzlement
    

• 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 country well
    

• 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
    

• 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
    

• help to some food; help with food or drink
  • I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
    

• be used by; as of a utility
  • The sewage plant served the neighboring communities
    
  • The garage served to shelter his horses
    

• contribute or conduce to
  • The scandal served to increase his popularity
    

• 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
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  service , suffice , do , answer , process , swear out , attend to , wait on , attend , assist , serve well , serve up , dish out , dish up , dish , help , function