community service

American  

noun

Law.

1. a punitive sentence that requires a convicted person to perform unpaid work for the community in lieu of imprisonment.

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community service British  

noun

1. voluntary work, intended to be for the common good, usually done as part of an organized scheme

2. See community-service order

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Example Sentences

Today, far too few Americans participate in community service like this.

From The Wall Street Journal

Washington said that latter number was misleading because Shelter 37 was not a scholarship-based organization, even though it assisted at-risk children through a variety of community services.

From Los Angeles Times

When his sons eventually came along, he involved them in nearly every community service activity he participated in.

From Salon

He will also have to carry out 200 hours of community service in the next 12 months.

From BBC

The sheriff told Jedburgh Sheriff Court he was sentencing Robe to community service and two years of supervision as a direct alternative to custody.

From BBC