public service
Americannoun
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the business of supplying an essential commodity, as gas or electricity, or a service, as transportation, to the general public.
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government employment; civil service.
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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.
noun
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government employment
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the management and administration of the affairs of a political unit, esp the civil service
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a service provided for the community
buses provide a public service
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( as modifier )
a public-service announcement
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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
Etymology
Origin of public service
First recorded in 1560–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Without a new generation of young people who value public service being willing to enter politics, "we are in deep doodah", he added.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
In closing remarks, Jiang said journalism is a public service “because when there is an emergency, we run to the crisis — not away from it.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026
She is one of 10 librarians nationwide to receive a 2026 “I Love My Librarian Award” from the ALA for her public service, particularly her work supporting people with disabilities, digital literacy and workforce development.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
I discovered this from a public service announcement that I saw late one night on television.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
