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

In 1961, the civil rights movement was intensifying across the United States as Dwight was serving as a pilot in the US Air Force.

From Barron's

Editor’s note: In this Future View, students discuss whether serving your country means joining the military.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Figured you wouldn’t have much time to eat, serving on your own like that, with no prep.”

From Literature

Not after eating two servings of the musakhan that Zara’s dad left for us before he had to run out to a meeting.

From Literature

Earlier this month, four Ghanaian soldiers serving with Unifil were injured when their base was hit.

From BBC

Related Words

• dollop
• plate