self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice ˈself-ˈsər-vəs 

: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with goods or services to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by using a coin-operated mechanism or a credit or debit card

self-service adjective

Examples of self-service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bank teller—The rise of mobile banking and self-service kiosks continues to reduce the need for in-branch banking staff. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Chatbots, self-service portals, video tutorials and FAQs to ensure customers are receiving immediate support. —Ariel Chen, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Amtrak's cafe cars will also get a modern upgrade with self-service options. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2025

The six other pieces related to accessible features in retail establishments and lodging facilities, customer service protocols at hotels, input from customers with disabilities, reaching out to customers with disabilities and assistance at self-service gas stations. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-service

• disservice
• preservice
• interservice
• nervous
• nervus

Kids Definition

self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice

ˈself-ˈsər-vəs

: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with things to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by means of a mechanism that is operated by coins

self-service adjective