(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
"his powerful serve s won the game"
provide (usually but not necessarily food)
"We serve meals for the homeless"; "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M."; "The entertainers serve d up a lively show"
to formally deliver a legal document, to ensure that the opposing party is aware of the action
"I was serve d divorce papers by a process serve r", "since it was difficult to track down the defendant, the court allowed the plaintiff to serve notice via new
serve a purpose, role, or function
"The tree stump serve s as a table"; "The female students serve d as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom serve d him well"; "The table functions as a desk"
do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
"He serve d as head of the department for three years"; "She serve d in Congress for two terms"
contribute or conduce to
"The scandal serve d to increase his popularity"
be used by; as of a utility
"The sewage plant serve d the neighboring communities"; "The garage serve d to shelter his horses"
help to some food; help with food or drink
"I serve d him three times, and after that he helped himself"
devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas
"She serve d the art of music"; "He serve d the church"; "serve the country"
promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to
"Art serve s commerce"; "Their interests are serve d"; "The lake serve s recreation"; "The President's wisdom has serve d the counrty well"
spend time in prison or in a labor camp
"He did six years for embezzlement"
work for or be a servant to
"May I serve you?"; "She attends the old lady in the wheelchair"; "Can you wait on our table, please?"; "Is a salesperson assisting you?"; "The minister serve d the King for many years"
deliver a warrant or summons to someone
"He was processed by the sheriff"
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
"A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve "
do military service
"She serve d in Vietnam"; "My sons never serve d, because they are short-sighted"
mate with
"male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"
put the ball into play
"It was Agassi's turn to serve "
Other. Please give details below