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 the recent ads differ from many past public service announcements because they aren't aimed at helping members of the public benefit from specific government programs. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

The administration had previously argued that the ads were public service announcements, in line with past presidents. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

That role corresponds to public service broadcasters which do have a brief to ensure educative children’s entertainment. — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Strobl has spent her career at the intersection of public service broadcasting and German television drama. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 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