serv·ice / ˈsərvis/ • n. 1. the action of helping or doing work for someone: millions are involved in voluntary service. ∎  an act of assistance: he has done us a great service he volunteered his services as a driver. ∎  assistance or advice given to customers during and after the sale of goods: they aim to provide better quality of service. ∎  short for service industry: a private security service. ∎  work done for a customer other than manufacturing: scheduled commercial airline service | highly customized goods and services. ∎  the action or process of serving food and drinks to customers: they complained of poor bar service. ∎  short for service charge: service is included in the final bill. ∎  a period of employment with a company or organization: he retired after 40 years' service. ∎  employment as a servant: the pitifully low wages gained from domestic service. See also in service below. ∎  the use that can be made of a machine: the computer should provide good service for years. ∎  the provision of the necessary maintenance work for a machine: they phoned for service on their air conditioning. ∎  a periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine: he took his car in for service. ∎  (the services) the armed forces: troops from all branches of the services | [as adj.] (service) service personnel. 2. a system supplying a public need such as transport, communications, or utilities such as electricity and water: a regular bus service. ∎  a public department or organization run by the government: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.3. a ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form; the prescribed form for such a ceremony: a funeral service.4. a set of matching dishes and utensils used for serving a particular meal: a dinner service.5. (in tennis and other racket sports) the action or right of serving to begin play. ∎  a serve.6. Law the formal delivery of a document such as a writ or summons.• v. [tr.] 1. (usu. be serviced) perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine): have your car serviced regularly. ∎  supply and maintain systems for public utilities and transportation and communications in (an area): the town is small but well serviced. ∎  perform a service or services for (someone): the state's biggest health maintenance organization servicing the poor. ∎  pay interest on (a debt): taxpayers are paying $250 million just to service that debt.2. (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal). ∎ vulgar slang (of a man) have sexual intercourse with (a woman).PHRASES: be at someone's service be ready to assist someone whenever possible.be of service be available to assist someone.in service1. in or available for use.2. dated employed as a servant.out of service not available for use.see service serve in the armed forces: he saw service in both world wars. ∎  be used: the building later saw service as a blacksmith's shop.