serving

SaySUR-ving/ˈsɝvɪŋ/UK/ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

Noun pluralservings

5 meanings of serving

1
giving outverb
Present participle and gerund of serve. Use it after is or was (she is serving), or to name the action.
She is serving dinner to the guests right now.
The volunteers are serving soup at the shelter this evening.
UsageSay serving on a council, and serving dinner to guests.
Note
2
one helpingnouncountable
The amount of food or drink meant for one person at one time.
Like one scoop of ice cream meant for just one person.
She put a small serving of peas on his plate.
This recipe makes four servings, so it should feed the whole family.
UsageSay a serving of rice; a recipe makes four servings.
Similarhelping
3
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of giving food or drink to people, or one time when this is done.
The serving of lunch starts at twelve every day.
He helped with the serving of drinks throughout the party.
UsageSay the serving of lunch. A serving of food means one person's amount.

Less common meanings

4
nouncountable
A part or share of something larger.
Each story in the book adds a small serving of humor.
The show gives viewers a big serving of drama every week.
UsageSay a serving of humor or drama, often a big or small one.
Similarshare, portion, part, slice, cut
Note
5
noun
A protective layer wrapped around the outside of a rope or an electrical cable.

serving is a form of serve

serve, verb: To do a job or have an official role, such as being mayor or on a jury. Full entry

Forms: serveserves he/she/itserving -ing formserved past tense, past participle
Spelling: serve → serving: drop the e, add -ing

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from the verb "serve" plus the ending "-ing".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

Serving is formed from the verb serve plus the suffix -ing. en.wiktionary.org