Definition of Serving

Noun: serving sur-ving

An individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
"there's enough for two servings each";
- helping, portion
The act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone
- service, service of process

Verb: serve surv

Act to fulfil 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";
- function
Do duty or hold office; perform a specific function
"He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms"
Contribute or conduce to
"The scandal served to increase his popularity"
Be used by; as of a utility
"The garage served to shelter his horses"; "The sewage plant served the neighbouring communities";
- service
Give a portion of food or drink
"I served him three times, and after that he helped himself";
- help
Provide (usually but not necessarily food)
"We serve meals for the homeless"; "The entertainers served up a lively show";
- serve up, dish out, dish up, dish
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"
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";
- serve well
Spend time in prison or in a labour camp
"He served six years for embezzlement";
- do
Work for or be a servant to
"May I serve you?"; "The minister served the King for many years";
- attend to, wait on, attend, assist
Deliver a warrant or summons to someone
"He was served by the sheriff";
- process, swear out
Be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
"Nothing else will serve";
- suffice, do, answer
Do military service
"She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"
Mate with
"male animals serve the females for breeding purposes";
- service
(court game) put the ball into play
"It was Agassi's turn to serve"