Definition of: serve

(sûrv) v. served, serv·ing v.t.
1. To work for, especially as a servant; be in the service of.
2. To be of service to; wait on.
3. To promote the interests of; aid; help: to serve one's country.
4. To obey and give homage to: to serve God.
5. To satisfy the requirements of; suffice for.
6. To perform the duties connected with, as a public office.
7. To go through (a period of enlistment, term of punishment, etc.).
8. To furnish or provide, as with a regular supply.
9. To offer or bring food or drink to (a guest, etc.); wait on at table.
10. To bring and place on the table or distribute among guests, as food or drink.
11. To operate or handle; tend: to serve a cannon.
12. To copulate with: said of male animals.
13. In tennis, etc., to put (the ball) in play by hitting it to one's opponent.
14. Law a To deliver (a summons or writ) to a person. b To deliver a summons or writ to.
15. Naut. To wrap (a rope, stay, etc.), as with marlin or spun yarn, so as to strengthen or protect.
—v.i.
16. To work as or perform the functions of a servant; wait at table.
17. To perform the duties of any employment, office, etc.
18. To go through a term of service, as in the army or navy.
19. To be suitable or usable, as for a purpose; perform a function.
20. To be favorable, as weather.
21. In tennis, etc., to put the ball in play.
—noun
1. In tennis, etc., the delivering of the ball by striking it toward an opponent.
2. The turn of the server. [<OF servir <L servire <servus a slave] Synonyms: advance, aid, assist, attend, benefit, help, minister, obey, promote, subserve, succor, suffice. See ACCOMMODATE. Antonyms: command, control, desert, disobey, hinder, obstruct, oppose, retard, thwart, withstand.