public service

noun

: the business of supplying a commodity (such as electricity or gas) or service (such as transportation) to any or all members of a community

: a service rendered in the public interest

: governmental employment

especially : civil service

Example Sentences

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 Rozelle Boyd, Indianapolis' longest serving and first Black city council member, died on July 21 at age 88, devoting nearly half of his life to public service. —

Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Dec. 2022 Speier’s commitment to public service actually began much earlier. —

Katya Cengel, ELLE, 20 Dec. 2022 But the Morgenthau patriarchs were earnest men deeply committed to public service. —

Andrew Kirtzman, Washington Post, 8 Dec. 2022 In addition to public service, Dobeck worked as an associate attorney with Cassidy & Mottl before co-founding law firm Boyko & Dobeck, which practiced until 2017. —

John Benson, cleveland, 1 Dec. 2022 But Fetterman also holds a Master’s Degree from Harvard University and has dedicated his life to public service. —

Time, 11 Nov. 2022 The Queen was a titanic figure, beloved by many in Barbados for the same reasons she is admired all over the world: her steadfast grace and her enduring commitment to public service. —

Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2022 But Wells was most known for dedicating his life to public service, and held positions on the DART Board and City Plan Commission. —

Dallas News, 14 Oct. 2022 The Queen’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, also displayed a lifelong commitment to public service. —

Carolyn Harris, Quartz, 9 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'public service.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near public service

public servant

public service

public service announcement

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Public service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20service. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation