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
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.
The taxes paid by second-home owners keep the island’s public services afloat, and most businesses survive on tourism in the summer months—when all the ticks come out to feed. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The younger Russert delivered an electrifying eulogy at a public service. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026 That is especially important for a country where digital adoption is growing quickly across government, finance, commerce and public services. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 But states that aren't able to drive down their error rates will likely need to make choices that could impact their residents, such as choosing between funding public services like law enforcement and education versus providing food aid. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for public service

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

Rhymes for public service

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Browse Nearby Words

public servant
public service
public service announcement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Public service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20service. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public service

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