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

This year, the Golden Globes are a multi-day affair, with an inaugural “Golden Week” serving as a proverbial pregame for Hollywood’s party of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

Witnesses that day, including women serving in Congress, recall the terror, running for their lives and calling their loved ones to say goodbye.

From Salon

The new guidelines call for reducing refined carbs—think white bread—and recommend that people eat two to four servings of whole grains each day.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This matter comes before the Court on its own initiative,” Novak wrote, saying that the “binding Court order” that found her to be serving illegally is “not subject to being ignored.”

From Salon

The buyers “have been coming to this neighborhood serving retail center for decades and jumped at the opportunity to own it,” said David Jordon of SSV Properties, which will manage the property.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dollop
• plate