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

"Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth," he told Kossuth radio, explaining he was not after personal revenge, even though he and his family had been insulted "morning, noon and night".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

While not doubting his capabilities and dedication, some have questioned Velasco’s relative lack of experience in a prestige post traditionally occupied by party notables with decades of public service.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Newsom’s executive order prohibits gubernatorial appointees “from using any non-public information obtained due to their public service to personally profit or assist another person…in profiting from participation in predictive markets.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

"That would have been an important specimen," said Freeman, lead author of the study and a senior public service associate emeritus at the UGA Odum School of Ecology.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

I convinced them to open a DVD library in the corner of the store, like a public service preserving our cinematic history.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• civil service