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

He did, though, admit he was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving for his role in the incident and the charge was later dropped after he made a public service video on driving.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

"Our ethical stand as a public service broadcaster should be to fight for peace."

From BBC • May 10, 2026

The Green Party leader told the BBC everyone who works in public service "should not be above scrutiny" and action must be "proportionate no matter how brave".

From BBC • May 3, 2026

It requires borrowers to make regular minimum monthly payments of $10 and to be paying back their loans for 30 years before being discharged, unless they are in public service.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Yes, there was warning—years of it, in fact—but public service announcements about conservation are a whole lot different from a total stoppage.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• civil service