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 Words From

• un·serving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of serving¹

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

Example Sentences

Smith was convicted of murder, but under South Carolina law at the time she was eligible for a parole hearing every two years after serving 30 years in prison.

From BBC

The new law would let people sentenced to less than four years be released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the current 50%.

From BBC

“Maybe it doesn’t look pretty on the stat sheet, but it’s serving a greater purpose,” Roman said.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, 43, he has a bit of a rugged edge — something that is serving him well in his latest role in the “Magic Mike”-meets-mistletoe flick “The Merry Gentlemen.”

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts began her coaching career as a student assistant at Seattle Pacific while earning her master’s degree, serving as a Falcons assistant coach from 1997-2002.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dollop
• plate