a portion of food or drink served to someone, the action of serving food or drink, a period of time during which a person is employed to work

serve someone right, serve notice, serve a purpose

Formal and Informal Expressions of serving

In different contexts, you can replace 'serving' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'portion, helping' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'helping, plateful' is a commonplace synonym.

serving: Explore its Definition & Usage

serving Definition

1a portion of food or drink served to someone
2the action of serving food or drink
3a period of time during which a person is employed to work

Using serving: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "serving" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I'll have another serving of rice, please.
Example
She's in charge of serving the drinks at the party.
Example
He completed his serving in the military last year.

serving Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for serving

Antonyms for serving

Phrases with serving

serve someone right
used to say that someone deserves the bad things that happen to them
Example
He was caught cheating on the exam, so it serves him right that he failed the class.
serve notice
to officially inform someone that they must leave their job or home
Example
The landlord served notice on the tenants to vacate the apartment by the end of the month.
serve a purpose
to be useful or helpful for a particular reason
Example
The extra chairs serve a purpose when we have guests over for dinner.

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Summary: serving in Brief

The term 'serving' [ˈsɜːvɪŋ] refers to a portion of food or drink, or the action of serving it. It can also refer to a period of employment. Examples include 'I'll have another serving of rice, please,' and 'She's in charge of serving the drinks at the party.' Phrases like 'serve someone right' and 'serve notice' add idiomatic meaning.