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

The ICO said it also took into account Police Scotland's status as a public body and reduced the penalty accordingly to avoid disproportionate impact on public services.

From BBC

Monitor local news media and Twitter for current information on potential disruptions to travel or public services.

From Salon

The real estate boom also generated vast revenues for local governments through land sales, helping finance infrastructure and public services.

From BBC

He warned that public services need to "catch up" with those offered by the private sector, such as online banking.

From BBC

As an infrastructure investor, you need to provide a public service, and you have to be a custodian of that asset, which, ultimately, you are going to pass on.

From Barron's

Related Words

• civil service