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 According to the American Immigration Council (AIC), such drastic measures would strain federal budgets and divert funds from essential public services, directly impacting American taxpayers. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 In the meantime, the sheer number of new immigrants arriving in Lockland is taxing charitable and public services, and alarming village leaders. Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2024 Trump’s public service prior to his election as president was nonexistent. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 The newspaper led the way on coverage of the Watergate scandal and won a Pulitzer Prize for public service for coverage of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public service 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'public service.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of public service was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near public service

Cite this Entry

“Public service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20service. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on public service

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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