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

But creating a genuinely balanced public service media will be a major challenge, analysts have said. — CNN Money, 7 July 2026

County officials have repeatedly warned that fraudulent claims take money away from public services and shift the tax burden to honest taxpayers. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026

The result can be disruptions that affect public services even when the original objective was economic benefit rather than physical threats or terrorism. — Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

After years of strained public services, supply and food shortages and poverty, nearly 8 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquakes hit. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 6 July 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