WordGarden.ioservice
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɜːvɪs/
US
- /ˈsɜrvəs/
Meanings
Noun
help or work provided for customers, clients, or the public
a system or organization that provides transport, internet, mail, healthcare, or other public functions
maintenance or repair work done on a machine or vehicle
More meaningsFewer meanings
a formal religious ceremony
duty in the armed forces or a period spent serving in them
Verb
to maintain or repair a machine or vehicle
Beyond the definition
"Service" is not just about waiters bringing you food. It means doing something helpful or useful for someone else. Think of a mechanic working on your car, a firefighter helping the community, or a friend doing you a favor. It can mean one task, like an oil change, or a longer duty, like military service. You might also hear "customer service," which means the help a company gives its customers. Sometimes animals help too, like guide dogs.
The word "service" has a wide range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of providing help or performing work for others. At its core, service refers to an action that benefits someone else—a helpful act, a task performed, or assistance given.
You will hear it in many different contexts. A mechanic provides a service when they repair your car, just as a waiter offers service at a restaurant. The phrase "in service" often describes something actively being used; for instance, a bus might be "back in service" after repairs. It can also refer to a system providing a public need, such as "utility services" like water and electricity.
Beyond practical tasks, service can describe dedication and commitment. Military service signifies a person's contribution to their country, while "years of service" refers to the length of time someone has worked for an organization. You might also attend a "religious service," which refers to a formal gathering for worship.
In modern usage, "customer service" is crucial for businesses, as it defines how they support their customers. A company with excellent customer service builds long-term loyalty and trust. Finally, the act of providing help can be described as being "at your service"—a polite and professional way to offer assistance. Whether it involves fixing a machine, defending a nation, or simply lending a helping hand, service is fundamentally about contributing value and meeting the needs of others.
Examples
- 1
Restaurant
The food was good, but the service was slow.
- 2
Customer support
If you have a problem with your order, contact customer service.
- 3
Phone connection
There's no phone service in the tunnel.
- 4
Public transport
Train service was delayed because of the snow.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Availability status
The elevator is out of service until tomorrow.
- Phraseout of service
not working or not available
- 6
Hotel food
We ordered coffee from room service after we checked in.
- Phraseroom service
food or drink brought to your hotel room
- 7
Vehicle maintenance
My car is due for a service next month.
- 8
Military duty
He did military service when he was eighteen.
- Phrasemilitary service
time spent serving in the armed forces
- 9
Church worship
We went to a church service on Sunday morning.
- Phrasea church service
a time of worship in church
- 10
Government support
Good public services can make daily life much easier.
- Phrasepublic services
services provided by the government, such as transport, schools, or healthcare
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- customer service
- public service
- provide a service
- service industry
Word family
Explore
- customer support
- hospitality
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- servicenounverb
Forms
- servicespluralnounverb
- servicing-ing formverbnoun
- servicedpast tenseverbnoun