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

Reports from the World Bank, IMF, and UNDP highlight how AI can boost productivity, address skills gaps, and improve public services, helping overcome long-standing development constraints. — Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The ballot measure has splintered California Democrats and their allies, who are at odds over which public services would receive a portion of the revenue and Proposition 40’s long-term impact on the state budget. — Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Democrats, in turn, tended to say equality and fairness and public services. — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Across Africa, political elites have often sought healthcare or maintained homes abroad, even as public services at home struggle. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 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