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

Governments are often under-resourced and bureaucratic, public services are slow to roll out, and businesses with legacy systems struggle to change processes. —Charles Wayn, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

The Cruz family said Nely would be buried later Tuesday afternoon following a public service. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Union workers have argued that mail delivery is a vital public service that shouldn't necessarily turn a profit. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025

Driver’s license renewal at that facility is the definition of irresponsible public service for senior citizens. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for public service

• interservice
• disservice
• preservice
• nervous
• nervus

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