to give food or drinks to someone or place them on the table for them to eat or drink
The waiter served our soup within minutes.
At family dinners, Grandma serves the turkey to everyone.
to work for or help a person, organization, or cause, especially as an employee, soldier, or public official
She served in the navy for five years.
Councillors are elected to serve their local community.
in tennis, volleyball, and similar sports, to hit or throw the ball to start a game or point
It's your turn to serve, so stand behind the baseline.
She served an ace that her opponent couldn't touch.
to be useful for a particular purpose or act in place of something else
A folded jacket can serve as a pillow on long flights.
The ceremony will serve as a farewell to the retiring principal.
to spend a stated period performing duty or punishment, such as in prison or in an official position
He had to serve three years in prison for the robbery.
The senator will serve a six-year term if re-elected.
to follow or obey a rule, law, or custom
Everyone must observe the speed limit in the school zone.
Laboratory staff observe strict safety procedures at all times.
to celebrate or mark an important day, event, or tradition
Many countries observe Independence Day with fireworks and parades.
Our family always observes Lunar New Year by sharing a big dinner.
to have earned something, good or bad, because of what you have done or what you are like
After studying hard all year, Maya felt she deserved a break.
That player deserves the trophy for his excellent performance.
to treat food so that it lasts a long time without spoiling
Farmers often preserve strawberries by turning them into jam.
You can also preserve herbs in olive oil for winter cooking.
to arrange for something such as a seat, ticket, or room to be kept for your use at a future time
I called the restaurant to reserve a table for two tonight.
You can reserve tickets online instead of queuing at the cinema.
