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

The next week, he started at left tackle because Alaric Jackson was serving the second game of a two-game suspension and Noteboom had suffered an ankle injury in the opener.

From Los Angeles Times

He hopes that future studies will examine the discrepancy in results from private and government clinics and see if approaches to treatment programs need to be adjusted based on the populations they are serving.

From Science Daily

Her serving was particularly effective in the first set - especially in the key moments.

From BBC

At the time, P&O said a "wide range of approved protocols" had been put in place, including closing on-board launderettes and preventing passengers from serving themselves at the buffet.

From BBC

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct after accessing files relating to Sarah Everard's murder without reason.

From BBC

Related Words

• dollop
• plate