community service

American  

noun

Law.

1. a punitive sentence that requires a convicted person to perform unpaid work for the community in lieu of imprisonment.

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community service British  

noun

1. voluntary work, intended to be for the common good, usually done as part of an organized scheme

2. See community-service order

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Example Sentences

Lawyers for the defendants declined to comment but in court referenced the men’s community service, according to local reports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Jade Tubb, Nikolli's partner, of Walsall, also admitted conspiracy to possess criminal property and was handed a 12-month sentence, which was suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Another doctor, Mark Chavez, was ordered to be confined at home and told to do hundreds of hours of community service.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Patron must serve 40 hours of community service and then his case will be dismissed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

With each passing year, it seemed that the work Mary loved and the community service that gave her life meaning were becoming one and the same.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly