serve out

phrasal verb

served out; serving out; serves out
: to complete (a term in office, a prison sentence, etc.)
He was unable to serve out his five-year term as chairperson.
She was allowed to serve out her sentence in a prison close to home.

Examples of serve out in a Sentence

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.
Mayor Craig Greenberg has appointed Deputy Mayor David James to serve out the remainder of former Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey's term following his death. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 However, if the legislature fails to come to an agreement, a local judge will select a nominee who would serve out the remainder of White’s term through the end of 2026. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025 Once she's sworn in, Grijalva will serve out the remainder of the current congressional term. Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Because Donnelly, a board member, still had one year left on his term, Cathryn Humphris was additionally elected to serve out his final year. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serve out

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Cite this Entry

“Serve out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serve%20out. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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