public service

American  

noun

1. the business of supplying an essential commodity, as gas or electricity, or a service, as transportation, to the general public.

2. government employment; civil service.

3. a service to the public rendered without charge by a profit-making organization.

   This radio program has been brought to you as a public service.

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public service British  

noun

1. 1. government employment

   2. the management and administration of the affairs of a political unit, esp the civil service

2. 1. a service provided for the community

      buses provide a public service

   2. ( as modifier )

      a public-service announcement

3. British equivalent: civil service.  the service responsible for the public administration of the government of a country. It excludes the legislative, judicial, and military branches. Members of the public service have no official political allegiance and are not generally affected by changes of governments

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Etymology

Origin of public service

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

Years after leaving the television business and a brief career as a media coach, Kavanagh runs the site as a kind of public service and a way to stay engaged and keep mentally fit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The university said the doctorate is in recognition of his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy and the arts.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Newsom’s executive order prohibits gubernatorial appointees “from using any non-public information obtained due to their public service to personally profit or assist another person…in profiting from participation in predictive markets.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Councillor Simran Cheema, Labour representative for Willenhall South, said Winnick was a "true legend" and one of the figures who guided her towards public service.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

One of Alfred’s cousins and contemporaries, Henry Stimson, would distinguish himself in public service with one stint as secretary of state and two as secretary of war.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• civil service