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

"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

“I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

We heard from young people working in politics and public service, and I asked them the same question: Why did you choose this work?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

It is one of the biggest Cabinet jobs with the largest public service departmental budgets.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

He turned to her and said, “About time,” when the train finally creaked in, with the familiarity strangers adopt with each other after sharing in the disappointment of a public service.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• civil service