serve
verb (used without object)
to act as a servant.
have been serving
-
present perfect progressiveof serve.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From 13 October, governors will release a second tranche of 650 prisoners who have been serving sentences of between 19 months and two years and five months.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
Women have been serving for decades now, including in front line roles, even if they were only legally recognized as combat soldiers in 2013.
From Salon ● Jul. 17, 2026
Some of those people have been serving sentences of 37, 41, 60 years.
From Slate ● May 27, 2026
Meghan Frank, Lululemon’s chief financial officer, and André Maestrini, its chief commercial officer, have been serving as co-CEOs and are expected to transition back to their respective roles at that time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026
Now, seeing I have done nothing of this business, whereof I have been accused by you, but have been serving Jesus Christ my master in rebuking vice, in simplicity and righteousness of heart.
From Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by John Howie
