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

See Examples For:

public service

Even when the devout Christian decided to retire, he found a way to be of public service.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

What if we encouraged our most gifted entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers and others to spend a year or two in public service at the federal and state levels?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

“We hoped that providing data around how much someone saves using a public service would give patrons a sense of ownership to utilize their local library,” Lipinski told me.

From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026

The first minister is due to set out his plans for the year ahead which are expected to include proposals for significant public service reform.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

“They performed a great public service in showing the people who did become frightened that they should not be so gullible.”

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• civil service