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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public service

The ad offers a reason for his candidacy and life of public service, and ends what has been a tumultuous campaign on a grace note — and with an implicit promise.

From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2026

Deterring public service: Now there’s an inspiring message to a young person about American self-government.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

A Sky spokesperson said: "We have already made clear commitments to protect ITV's identity, its free-to-air services and public service broadcasting obligations, and to ensure ITV News and Sky News remain distinct editorial voices."

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

OK, time to pivot from the slow debasement of public service to a public-service announcement from my colleagues about what to read and listen to if you’re looking for a distraction:

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

I discovered this from a public service announcement that I saw late one night on television.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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Related Words

• civil service

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