public service

American  

noun

1. the business of supplying an essential commodity, as gas or electricity, or a service, as transportation, to the general public.

2. government employment; civil service.

3. a service to the public rendered without charge by a profit-making organization.

   This radio program has been brought to you as a public service.

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public service British  

noun

1. 1. government employment

   2. the management and administration of the affairs of a political unit, esp the civil service

2. 1. a service provided for the community

      buses provide a public service

   2. ( as modifier )

      a public-service announcement

3. British equivalent: civil service.  the service responsible for the public administration of the government of a country. It excludes the legislative, judicial, and military branches. Members of the public service have no official political allegiance and are not generally affected by changes of governments

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Etymology

Origin of public service

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

As somebody who was at the DOJ for 21 years, I find that to be anathema to how I thought about public service.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Alice Darson, an urban planning lawyer from Paris, said the detention centre should not violate planning regulations as it falls under the category of "facilities of collective interest and public service".

From BBC • May 27, 2026

"At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle."

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Mr. Bezos is also doing a public service in contrasting the performance of government with the performance of the companies he creates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

A public service, is what he called it.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

Related Words

• civil service