| noun | an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal “the helpings were all small” |
| noun | the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone “he accepted service of the subpoena” |
| verb | serve a purpose, role, or function “The tree stump serves as a table” |
| verb | do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function “He served as head of the department for three years” |
| verb | contribute or conduce to “The scandal served to increase his popularity” |
| verb | be used by; as of a utility “The sewage plant served the neighboring communities” |
| verb | help to some food; help with food or drink “I served him three times, and after that he helped himself” |
| verb | provide (usually but not necessarily food) “We serve meals for the homeless” |
| verb | devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas “She served the art of music” |
| verb | promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to “Art serves commerce” |
| verb | spend time in prison or in a labor camp “He did six years for embezzlement” |
| verb | work for or be a servant to “May I serve you?” |
| verb | deliver a warrant or summons to someone “He was processed by the sheriff” |
| verb | be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity “A few words would answer” |
| verb | do military service “She served in Vietnam” |
| verb | mate with “male animals serve the females for breeding purposes” |
| verb | put the ball into play “It was Agassi's turn to serve” |
| help | verb | help to some food; help with food or drink |
| serve | verb | help to some food; help with food or drink |
| function | noun | what something is used for |
| service | noun | a company or agency that performs a public service; subject to government regulation |
| server | noun | a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant) |
| serving | noun | an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal |
| helping | noun | an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal |
| dish | noun | the quantity that a dish will hold |
| servant | noun | in a subordinate position |
| servitor | noun | someone who performs the duties of an attendant for someone else |
| attendant | noun | someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another |
| attender | noun | someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another |
| assist | noun | the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose |
| process | noun | a writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant |
| sufficient | adjective | of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant |
| sufficiency | noun | sufficient resources to provide comfort and meet obligations |
| servicing | noun | the act of mating by male animals |
| serve | noun | (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play |