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

President William Ruto send his condolences to the families of the dead and ordered the inspection of all public service vehicles to ensure compliance to eliminate road accidents. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Last weekend, more than 500,000 people marched to express their frustration against declining public services and high costs of living. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®,jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

The idea is to provide a pathway to student loan forgiveness for people who work in public service. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The extraordinary closures follow unprecedented demonstrations in France, some of which have turned violent or led to property damage, as citizens protest broken schools, the rising cost of living, and worsening public services. — News Desk, Artforum, 22 Oct. 2026

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