self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice ˈself-ˈsər-vəs 

: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with goods or services to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by using a coin-operated mechanism or a credit or debit card

self-service adjective

Examples of self-service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This means that throughout the state, multi-use personal beverage containers like coffee mugs, water bottles and drink cups are legally allowed to be filled by the customer at self-service fountain stations and by the server or barista behind the counter or at the customer’s table. — Kelley Dennings, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026

Dreamland Flower Farm operates a self-service flower shack, where people can come purchase flowers on the property. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026

The retro motel has been updated to provide the amenities modern guests rely on while keeping its 1960s charm (like self-service check in with digital key codes). — Midwest Living, 15 June 2026

The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, with some vandalizing shops and setting fires to garbage and self-service bicycles in the streets. — ABC News, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-service

• disservice
• preservice
• interservice
• nervous
• nervus

Kids Definition

self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice

ˈself-ˈsər-vəs

: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with things to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by means of a mechanism that is operated by coins

self-service adjective