server

[ sur-ver ]

noun

1. a person who serves.
2. a person who waits on tables; a waiter or waitress.
3. something that serves or is used in serving, as a salver.
4. a broad fork, spoon, or spatula for dishing out and serving individual portions of food, as vegetables, cake, or pie.
5. Also called al·tar serv·er [awl, -ter sur-ver]. Ecclesiastical. an attendant on the priest at Mass, who arranges the altar, makes the responses, etc.
6. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) the player who puts the ball or shuttlecock in play.
7. Computers. a computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs, and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network. Compare client ( def 5 ), file server.

server

/ ˈsɜːvə /

noun

1. a person who serves
2. RC Church a person who acts as acolyte or assists the priest at Mass
3. something that is used in serving food and drink
4. the player who serves in racket games
5. computing a computer or program that supplies data or resources to other machines on a network

server

/ sûr′vər /

1. A computer that manages centralized data storage or network communications resources. A server provides and organizes access to these resources for other computers linked to it.

server

1. Computer or software that performs administration or coordination functions within a network .

Word History and Origins

Origin of server¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; serve + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

But more importantly, somewhere in a data centre some hot computer servers were toiling away to make Action Figure Zoe.

From BBC

Every few minutes she puffs discreetly from a vape pen when the server is out of sight; her phone lies screen down on the table, though she’s hardly vanquished the temptation to check her notifications.

From Los Angeles Times

The squad-based shooter was a surprise hit when it was released, and its makers had to race to boost server capacity to meet early demand.

From BBC

As they ramp up their AI investments, tech companies also are spending more than analysts anticipated on capital expenditures such as data centers and servers.

From Los Angeles Times

The hospitality and tourism industry is a key contributor to L.A.’s economy, employing more than 540,000 people who work as room cleaners, dishwashers, restaurant servers and bellhops, among other jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flight attendant
• hostess
• stewardess
• waiter
• waitress