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

“When tribal healthcare was on the line, he was there. This experience comes from a lifetime of public service, not a checkbook.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 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

Mr. Bezos is also doing a public service in contrasting the performance of government with the performance of the companies he creates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

She added that it was "difficult to reconcile" Mackay's record of public service with her conduct that day.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

One of Alfred’s cousins and contemporaries, Henry Stimson, would distinguish himself in public service with one stint as secretary of state and two as secretary of war.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• civil service