public service

noun

1
: the business of supplying a commodity (such as electricity or gas) or service (such as transportation) to any or all members of a community
2
: a service rendered in the public interest
3
: governmental employment
especially : civil service

Examples of public service in a Sentence

The cost of public services is on the rise. The station is running antismoking commercials as a public service. The company is heavily involved in public service. He works in public service. She has devoted her life to public service.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Perkins Coie said in a filing that 24 of its lawyers and business professionals hold security clearances, including 12 who were granted them because of their former military or other public service backgrounds. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025 And bringing historic levels of diversity to public service, including early support of President Barack Obama and securing the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Dick Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025 Originally collected to facilitate health care, eligibility for services and the administration of public services, this information is now shared across government agencies and with private companies, reshaping the infrastructure of public services into a mechanism of control. Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025 After high school, Higuchi ended up working in public service, with Japan’s post services, but knew deep down that his calling was in the creative world. Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public service

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of public service was in 1576

Cite this Entry

“Public service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20service. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

public service

noun
1
: the business of supplying a commodity (as electricity or gas) or service (as transportation) to any or all members of a community
2
: governmental employment
especially : civil service

More from Merriam-Webster on public service

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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