1. a. To work for. b. To be a servant to.

2. a. To prepare and offer (food, for example): serve tea. b. To place food before (someone); wait on: served the guests a wonderful dinner.

3. a. To provide goods and services for (customers): a hotel that has served tourists at the same location for 30 years. b. To supply (goods or services) to customers. See Usage Note at service.

4. To assist (the celebrant) during Mass.

5. To be of assistance to or promote the interests of; aid: "Both major parties today seek to serve the national interest" (John F. Kennedy).

6. To spend or complete (time): served four terms in Congress.

7. To fight or undergo military service for: served her country for five years in the navy.

8. To give homage and obedience to: served God.

9. To act toward (another) in a specified way; requite: She has served me ill, and only that.

10. To copulate with. Used of male animals.

11. To meet the needs or requirements of; satisfy: serve the purpose.

12. Law. a. To deliver or present (a writ or summons). b. To present such a writ to.

13. Sports. To put (a ball or shuttlecock) in play, as in tennis, badminton, or jai alai.

14. To bind or whip (a rope) with fine cord or wire.

1. To be employed as a servant.

2. To do a term of duty: serve in the U.S. Air Force; serve on a jury.

3. To act in a particular capacity: serve as a clerk.

4. To be of service or use; function: Let this incident serve as a reminder to future generations.

5. To meet requirements or needs; satisfy: a device that will serve well.

6. To wait on tables: serve at luncheon.

7. Sports. To put a ball or shuttlecock into play, as in court games.

8. To assist the celebrant during Mass.