1The action of helping or doing work for someone.

1. 1.1 An act of assistance.
   he has done us a great service

   he volunteered his services as a driver

   Example sentencesExamples

   • In the future he may well take time out again to volunteer his services in other countries.
   • My old mate and her younger sister volunteered their services for the operation.
   • It is hoped that more people will come forward and volunteer their services to help run this great amenity.
   • Many local opticians and dentists volunteered their services to help the children.
   • Instead, they donate some staff time and services to assist in its operation.
   • The local Foróige Youth Club is looking for adults to volunteer their services once a week to help in the operation of the club.
   • He can volunteer his services for road safety campaigns in schools and colleges.
   • The service would like to thank all the volunteers for their services as collectors.
   • Fans unable to get tickets may be able to watch the game after all by volunteering their services as a steward.
   • He even moved out of his rented room to the dormitory, offering his services as a volunteer.
   • Sedge volunteered his services and I want to say how grateful I am for his endeavours.
   • Member Services Officer Shawn Hunsdale volunteered his services to assist the ACHSA.
   • Proud mums made the decorative costumes and one even volunteered her services as a pianist.
   • Peg Hayden, who offered her services selling raffle tickets, assisted these ladies
   • He also urged them to continue volunteering their services as it would help them gain necessary skills.
   • Mr Wallace volunteered his services to the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall on Friday afternoon.
   • I would volunteer my services in some small way, for example shopping for her or just having a chat.
   • I also feel that some who might volunteer their services could easily be put off by reading the daily Court File.
   • Maybe he will volunteer his services for such a worthy enterprise.
   • CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove has encouraged members to volunteer their services with the appeal.

   Synonyms

   act of assistance, good turn, favour, kindness, helping hand
2. 1.2 Assistance or advice given to customers during and after the sale of goods.
   they aim to provide better quality of service

   Example sentencesExamples

   • He is determined to retain the major water customers by improving service and offering advice on water and waste management.
   • This will allow it to continue to sink all its money into sales and service.
   • If we are to effectively eliminate this whole sector of retail sale and service, we must be prepared to fill up the vacuum.
   • It will outsource customer service and claims handling and will use the internet to market itself.
   • Part of customer service is the great feeling that you get when you see that you've made a difference.
   • It also enables Tusker's customer support team to deliver the highest level of service and advice.
   • Product design and quality has fallen behind and customer service has fallen behind competitors.
   • A key factor in these contract wins has been the assurance of a local and experienced post sales support service.
   • Maybe the customers will accept the water hike if they also see continuous effort to improve service.
   • The third step is to ensure that after sales service is in keeping with your promise.
   • Sherriff's main aims, he said, are to increase shareholder value and customer service.
   • Edel aims to provide experienced advice and professional service to all her customers.
   • The firm lives and dies by customer service, easy accessibility, and global reach.
   • This allows for better customer service, fewer income errors, and improved collection times.
   • I also suspect that the quality of service would have improved as the company got to know me better.
   • This has allowed its branch network to focus on customer service and sales.
   • The most common jobs posted at his site are those in customer service, marketing and sales.
   • There's no doubt that strong customer service is integral to a healthy business.
   • After all, he didn't have to spend five and a half hours doing customer service.
   • Do you ever wonder what's going on while you're waiting on hold for customer service?
3. 1.3 The action or process of serving food and drinks to customers.
   they complained of poor bar service

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The fact the he is a regular customer speaks volumes for the quality of the food and friendly service.
   • With excellent service and first class food, I shall certainly be returning.
   • We had to teach them everything from service to food to cleaning, even personal hygiene.
   • All in all, Delight is a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, decent service and good food.
   • A great dining experience depends on good food and service, but being a good guest also can enhance it.
   • I noted the name, booked a table and was surprised to find lukewarm food and chilly service.
   • There is very little to find fault at Sokrates - it has fine food, good service and atmosphere.
   • It was a shame to be there on an off night, but the upside was quick and friendly service from the bar staff.
   • The service and food were good as always, but this room is not accessible to elderly and handicapped people.
   • But he did not expect to be refused service by bar staff when he arrived at the pub with some friends near closing time, he said.
   • Recently redecorated, it has spectacular bathrooms, stylish food and impeccable service.
   • The friendly service, the superb food and the stunning location all add up to money well spent.
   • You'd think that the lack of customers would mean speedy service at the bar.
   • Our chances of getting the best food and the best service were good.
   • Of course, it could try distinguishing itself with amazing food, service and ambience.
   • Good food, good service and good prices were popular reasons for visiting this popular Italian restaurant.
   • You'll return to the establishment again and again because the food and service was so good.
   • The level of service, food and comfort makes it money well spent.
   • Like us they were enjoying the elegant surroundings, attentive service and delicious food.
   • The restaurant at the top was surprisingly large, and the food and service were excellent.

   Synonyms

   waiting, waitressing, waiting at table, serving of food and drink, attendance, serving
4. 1.4
   service is included in the final bill

   short for service charge

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Average prices are for a three-course meal for one, without wine, but including service and cover charge.
5. 1.5 A period of employment with a company or organization.
   he retired after 40 years' service

   Example sentencesExamples

   • This protection applies regardless of the employee's length of service.
   • Relocation expenses, guaranteed by law after a minimum period of service, are the answer.
   • A 1696 scheme for registering seamen for limited periods of service was abandoned in 1711.
   • They see the fees as payment for service, even if they agree that activism is required.
   • The period of service must, however, be lawful employment.
   • This relief benefits employees who have high earnings and long periods of service.
   • The pay criteria included factors such as mobility, training, and length of service of employees.
   • The government planned to replace required military service with a voluntary army.
   • She has a valid point - the award has been given to others whose service is shorter than hers.
   • Pay records would show no service during this time period because he was not paid!
   • The period of their service was reduced, and some were repatriated before their contracts had expired.

   Synonyms

   work, employment, employ, labour, performance of one's duties
6. 1.6 Employment as a servant.
   the pitifully low wages gained from domestic service

   See also in service below

   Example sentencesExamples

   • In fact, they disappear into prostitution, street markets or domestic service.
   • The early part of her working career was spent locally in domestic service.
   • Those employed in domestic service will be able to claim the amount they earn as a tax deduction.
   • She had once worked in domestic service for the future Edward VIII, who was then Prince of Wales.
   • Youths and young men predominated in some spheres of employment, such as domestic service in Natal and the Transvaal.
   • They made little headway in the two main sectors of women's employment, domestic service and textiles.
   • Women could also get work in the fields and on farms, but some preferred domestic service.
   • A religious fanatic, of Devon farming stock, Joanna was in domestic service in Exeter.
   • Children in domestic service work long hours, isolated from friends and family.
   • These articles gave evidence of the changes occurring in domestic service in the early twentieth century.
   • Migrant women often find employment in domestic service, which is growing in significance.
   • The majority of immigrants in domestic service here are Filipino women in their twenties.
   • The genealogy of domestic service in India can be traced as far back as the Vedic times.
   • Similarly, women in domestic service as housekeepers or parlour maids had to make a choice between work and marriage.
   • Together, maids and social reformers began to call for a restructuring of domestic service.
   • Women also work as farm laborers, but work in domestic service is more highly valued.
7. 1.7 The use which can be made of a machine.
   the computer should provide good service for years

   Synonyms

   use, usage

2A system supplying a public need such as transport, communications, or utilities such as electricity and water.

1. 2.1 A public department or organization run by the government.
   the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The case was adjourned until August 29 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared by the probation service.
   • He also ordered the probation service to supervise her for a year.
   • At this point there is no effort to co-ordinate services across Government Departments.
   • Tony Hargreaves, presiding, congratulated Simms on a glowing report by the probation service.
   • A guarantee has been given that there will be no job losses if plans to merge key public services into one giant organisation goes ahead.
   • The intelligence departments of both services ran Special Service Organizations.
   • It was nice to see Margaret Hodge speaking out in favour of public services last week.
   • It would also mean moving the probation service from its present offices, in Union Lane, to the new centre.
   • He had missed the November appointment because of a family bereavement and had asked his mother to contact the probation service.
   • If the probation service is unsuccessful, O'Connell will become homeless.
   • Third, land values are in part due to the presence of good government and valuable public services.
   • This meant visiting the probation service, in Victoria Avenue, Southend.
   • The move follows similar recruitment drives by MI5, the domestic intelligence service.
   • The report from the probation service said that Bates had done the 25 hours in good time and without any trouble.
   • He said services within the department were operating normally.
   • David Fraser, who worked for the probation service, has written a book, A Land Fit for Criminals.
   • One of the great losses under this Government is an effective employment service.
   • The probation service aims to reduce offending and protect the public.
   • The pension service and the fiscal department considered her as dead for a rather long period.
   • They are exhibited in a statement and were formulated by the prison service rather than the Department of Health.
2. 2.2the services The armed forces.
   service personnel

   troops from all branches of the services

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It has had an effect on me, as a person who has served in the services.
   • Are the services anticipating the changing nature of future conflict in their wargaming?
   • The lessons that all the services are learning will help provide us with what we need to prepare for the future.
   • For those interested in other career fields, the services are hiring as well.
   • His appointment signaled a renaissance of the warrior ethic throughout the services.
   • It shall also allocate the numerical strength of the Reserves to the services and combat arms.
   • He met his wife, who has also served in the Territorial Army and Auxiliary Air Force, through the services.
   • The men in uniform, the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, are veterans of the services.

   Synonyms

   armed forces, armed services, forces, military
3. 2.3servicesBritish An area with parking beside a major road supplying gasoline, refreshments, and other amenities to motorists.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • The local roads, services, amenities, houses and schools are not large enough.
   • He was parked in the services at Rainton, near Ripon, when he was approached by a man who forced him to drive northbound up the A1.
   • All the services, the roads, the car parks for the new passenger terminal and the cargo building will be completed in July.

3A ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form; the prescribed form for such a ceremony.

4A periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine.

5with modifier A set of matching dishes and utensils used for serving a particular meal.

6(in tennis and other racket sports) the action or right of serving to begin play.

1. 6.1 A serve.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • Jenkins served the first four services of the third game, picking up one ace in the process of doing so.

7Law
The formal delivery of a document such as a writ or summons.

1Perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine)

1. 1.1 Supply and maintain systems for public utilities and transportation and communications in (an area)
   the town is small but well serviced

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The air carried only the faintest whiff of sewage, as this section serviced a wealthy area of the city and was consequently well maintained.
   • It complements other public services, such as the transport system that services it.
   • Other cities only allow new development in areas already serviced by mass transit.
   • It should be located in areas well serviced by public transportation and provide a variety of services close by.
   • The department has never depended on Wasa for water in the areas serviced by the salt water main system.
   • Previously Lawley and Orange Farm were serviced by the fire station in Eldorado Park, some eight kilometres away
   • Local shops servicing a small area reduce the need to travel.
   • The areas serviced by the transport initiative include Scartaglen, Firies, Brosna, Kilflynn, Ballylongford and Knockanure.
   • The estate is serviced by well constructed roads, and one can see electricity lines running through the site.
   • The area is well serviced by a number of bus routes.
   • The last step is to ascertain the actual cost of construction of the Northway in the area being serviced.
   • The pipeline will service rural areas en route and will enable new group water schemes to go ahead.
   • Obviously some time was spent on marketing efforts to find new sites, to set up new sites and to service old sites.
   • Local areas are well serviced by trains and buses.
   • Rural areas are serviced by a thinly spread system of aid posts and small health centers.
   • Each of these areas is well serviced by tram, bus and underground metro line.
   • Most roads and bridges servicing plantations were washed out.
   • The majority of these houses are far too scattered to be serviced by public transport, she added.
   • They only agreed to start servicing the area after numerous calls from the residents there, Singh said.
   • There are a number of bus routes servicing the area, including a feeder bus service direct from Blackrock Dart station.
2. 1.2 Perform a service or services for (someone)
   the state's biggest health maintenance organization servicing the poor

   Example sentencesExamples

   • We have 84,000 people who will be serviced by that organisation.
3. 1.3 Pay interest on (a debt)
   taxpayers are paying $250 million just to service that debt

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Remember it is pointless keeping too much surplus money in a savings account if you are also servicing debt at a higher rate of interest.
   • Instead, the national debt is simply serviced with the amount of interest paid in any year being a function of the size of the debt and the interest rates on the appropriate debt instruments.
   • Therefore, countries had to increase production of commodities in order to service their debts.
   • Negative numbers can mean the company is servicing debt but can also mean the company is making dividend payments and stock repurchases, which investors might be glad to see.
   • Deutsche Bank expresses concern at the association's ability to service the escalating debt.

2(of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).

1. 2.1vulgar slang Have sexual intercourse with or give sexual gratification to (someone).