serving

[sur-ving]

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.

adjective

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

   a serving tray.

serving

/ ˈsɜːvɪŋ /

noun

1. a portion or helping of food or drink

Other Word Forms

• unserving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of serving¹

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

Example Sentences

He will begin serving his sentence in February.

From Los Angeles Times

Medicaid, a state-federal program serving low-income Americans, by law already pays the lowest drug prices of any government program, in some cases as low as or lower than prices in many foreign countries.

From Los Angeles Times

By comparison, New York City has more than 200 emergency management staffers serving 8.5 million people and Cook County has 54 serving 5.2 million.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors noted that Williams has no prior criminal arrests or convictions and “had spent many years serving the community with distinction.”

From Los Angeles Times

He has previously worked at the Department of Health and Human Services, serving six years under President George W. Bush.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dollop 
• plate