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

In 2019, the peoples of both Iraq and Lebanon rose up in movements with two central demands: to end the sectarian power-sharing system that empowered the Axis militias in these countries, and to build effective public services. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

Daniels, 97, stars in a new public service announcement for the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, which runs before popular movies in Marcus Theatres across the United States through Jan. 3. —Kate Hogan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

For refugees to return in a meaningful, sustainable way, Syria needs to be a place where people can actually live—somewhere that is safe, with public services and reliable jobs. —Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

The government raised taxes to make up for a shortfall in the cash available for public services. —Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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