self-service

[ self-sur-vis ]

noun

1. the system of serving oneself in a restaurant, shop, gas station, or other facility, without the aid of a waiter, clerk, attendant, etc.

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a cafeteria, store, etc., designed for the patron or customer to gather food or merchandise from a display counter or shelves without the aid of attendants and pay at a cashier's desk upon leaving.
2. of, for, or pertaining to something designed to be used or enjoyed without the aid of an attendant:

   self-service banking; self-service elevators.

self-service

adjective

1. of or denoting a shop, restaurant, petrol station, etc, where the customer serves himself

noun

1. the practice of serving oneself, as in a shop, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-service¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

According to credit card processor Square, and as reported by CBS, nearly 75% of remote transactions in food and beverage now ask for a tip, including online orders and at self-service kiosks.

From Salon

Sue Gray was brought in to deliver a programme for government and all we’ve seen in that time is a government of self-service.

From BBC

The overwhelming sentiment customers had towards self-service technology was distrust.

From Salon

Yet, what makes the moment so significant goes beyond his politicizing sacred ground in self-service.

From Salon

We are experts in food and beverage marketing who research self-service technology.

From Salon