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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of public service

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

More than 75,000 non-domestic properties have been revalued as part of a new list used in calculating business rates - an annual property tax that helps fund public services.

From BBC

“We were standing by if the person turned out to be a patient or if they were having a medical issue,” said Lyndsey Lantz, public service officer for the Fire Department.

From Los Angeles Times

"It provides security and stability for our public services, those who work in them, and even more so for those who rely upon them," he said.

From BBC

I spoke to someone who worked multiple secret jobs in the past and found out what councils and the government are doing to curb this trend and the implications it has on public services.

From BBC

Pearl lives in New York City and is willing to pay higher taxes for the public services the city provides.

From Barron's

Related Words

• civil service