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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thank you all for being here, and thank you for supporting public service and public servants. Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025 Municipalities have the authority to impose fees and other charges from numerous state statutes authorizing them to perform specific regulatory functions or provide specific public services and improvements, such as roads, parks or emergency services like 911. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s home in retirement, after decades of public service, including as the nation’s third president. Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025 In a democracy that grows weary from tribal warfare, independence can be an act of public service and personal liberation. John H Bolthouse, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public service

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

Cite this Entry

“Public service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20service. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on public service

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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