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

"No-one should have to face such financial anxiety after a lifetime of dedicated public service," he added.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

“I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 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

The BBC, like Channel 4, is a public service broadcaster - and it too is no stranger to controversy.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Daniel Hudson Burnham was born in Henderson, New York, on September 4, 1846, into a family devoted to Swedenborgian principles of obedience, self-subordination, and public service.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• civil service