at (someone's) service

1. 1. Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government: has been in the company's service for 15 years.

   2. A government branch or department and its employees: the diplomatic service.

   3. The armed forces of a nation: joined the service right after college.

   4. A branch of the armed forces of a nation.

   5. Work done for others as an occupation or business: has done service for us as a consultant.

   6. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay: offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.

   7. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.

   8. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

   9. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.

   10. A religious rite.

   11. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

   12. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

2. 1. The armed forces of a nation: joined the service right after college.

   2. A branch of the armed forces of a nation.

   3. Work done for others as an occupation or business: has done service for us as a consultant.

   4. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay: offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.

   5. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.

   6. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

   7. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.

   8. A religious rite.

   9. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

   10. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

3. The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant: found the butler's service to be excellent.

4. 1. Work done for others as an occupation or business: has done service for us as a consultant.

   2. An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay: offers a superior service to that of his competitors; provides full catering services.

   3. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.

   4. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

   5. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.

   6. A religious rite.

   7. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

   8. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

5. A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care: the anesthesiology service.

6. Installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer: a dealer with full parts and service.

7. A facility providing the public with the use of something, such as water or transportation.

8. 1. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.

   2. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.

   3. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.

   4. A religious rite.

   5. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

   6. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

9. 1. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.

   2. A religious rite.

   3. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

   4. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

10. 1. The serving of food or the manner in which it is served.

    2. A set of dishes or utensils: a silver tea service.

11. Sports The act, manner, or right of serving in many court games; a serve.

12. Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.

13. Law The serving of a writ or summons.

14. The material, such as cord, used in binding or wrapping rope.

15. An answering service.

1. To make fit for use; adjust, repair, or maintain: service a car.

2. To provide services to.

3. To make interest payments on (a debt).

4. 1. To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.

   2. Slang To have sex with.

1. Of or relating to the armed forces of a country.

2. Intended for use in supplying or serving: a service elevator; the service entrance.

3. Offering repairs or maintenance: a service guarantee; a road service area.

4. Offering services to the public in response to need or demand: a service industry.

Usage Note: Aside from specialized senses in finance (service a debt) and animal breeding (service a mare), the verb service is used principally in the sense "to repair or maintain": service the washing machine. In the sense "to supply goods or services to," serve is the correct choice: One radio network serves three states.