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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of public service

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

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

The national strategy launched last year - known as Digital Ethiopia 2030 - is the government's blueprint for digitising public services, from identity systems and payments to courts and public administration.

From BBC

Some public services, including the NHS and the law courts remain less efficient than prior to the pandemic.

From BBC

He has previously defended himself from the nepo kid label by saying it was "an unfair misinterpretation" and his father "returned every rupee earned from public service to the community".

From BBC

Schools and public services struggle to keep pace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• civil service