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

If local governments lose significant revenue, nonprofits and foundations will face mounting pressure to replace funding that once supported public services and community programs. — Gilbert Miller, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Fired up by a wave of similar protests elsewhere in Europe, tens of thousands of Italians took to the streets to protest soaring living costs and the poor state of public services such as healthcare and education. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

The argument is that police, fire and medical services will be cut if there is not sufficient money to pay for these essential public services — jeopardizing lives. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Italian authorities seized the sailboats, and the activists were reported to prosecutors for allegedly disrupting a public service. — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 29 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