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

Starmer was supposed to be the adult in the room, a competent former chief prosecutor who could not only end the personality politics of Britain’s governing class but also address its crumbling public services and sense of wider societal malaise. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 12 May 2026

And because businesses are owned by tribal governments, large shares of revenue are often funnelled directly into public services, making tribal businesses a critical funding source for local infrastructure and healthcare programs. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 11 May 2026

Democrats opposed the measure, arguing the cuts disproportionately benefit higher-income earners and could reduce funding available for public services. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 May 2026

Rhoades carries her own name recognition after 20 years in public service and running a slew of successful local Democratic elections — including that of Omaha Mayor John Ewing, who unseated a longtime Republican last year. —ABC News, 11 May 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