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.
The latest development heightens tensions between Lamont and lawmakers, who have battled over spending controls and growing needs in core public services. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025 According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Youngbloods' rendition of the song would become an international hit after it was used in a public service ad for the National Council of Christians and Jews in 1969. Marina Watts, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Musk has sought to justify his cuts to these public services by villainizing the rank-and-file public servants who keep our country afloat. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Public costs have spiralled since the pandemic, which is limiting our ability as a country to invest in public services, which in turn create more ill health and limits to working capacity. Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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