serving

American  

[sur-ving] / ˈsɜr vɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that serves.

2. a single portion of food or drink; helping.

3. Electricity. a layer of material, as jute yarn or tape, that is applied to the core or the exterior of a lead-covered cable and acts as a protective covering.

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adjective

1. for use in distributing food to or at the table.

   a serving tray.

serving British  

/ ˈsɜːvɪŋ /

noun

1. a portion or helping of food or drink

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Other Word Forms

• unserving adjective

Etymology

Origin of serving

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; serve + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Researchers believe the crest was brightly colored during the dinosaur's lifetime and arched upward like a curved blade, likely serving as a dramatic display structure.

From Science Daily

Both are now serving time in the United States.

From Barron's

On Friday, the force said it is "identifying and contacting" former and serving officers who may have relevant information.

From BBC

Apps or technologies serving extracurricular programs or sports teams can claim they weren’t designed and marketed for the classroom, or that their use isn’t mandatory, said Vance.

From Los Angeles Times

There are five regional hospitals across the vast Arctic island, with the Nuuk hospital serving patients from all over the territory.

From Barron's

Related Words

• dollop
• plate