Definitions of serve:

• noun:   (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

  Example: "His powerful serves won the game"

• verb:   do military service

  Example: "She served in Vietnam"

• verb:   work for or be a servant to

  Example: "May I serve you?"

• verb:   devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

  Example: "She served the art of music"

• verb:   contribute or conduce to

  Example: "The scandal served to increase his popularity"

• verb:   promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

  Example: "Art serves commerce"

• verb:   serve a purpose, role, or function

  Example: "The tree stump serves as a table"

• verb:   spend time in prison or in a labor camp
• verb:   put the ball into play

  Example: "It was Agassi's turn to serve"

• verb:   do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function

  Example: "He served as head of the department for three years"

• verb:   provide (usually but not necessarily food)

  Example: "We serve meals for the homeless"

• verb:   help to some food; help with food or drink

  Example: "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"

• verb:   mate with

  Example: "Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes"

• verb:   deliver a warrant or summons to someone
• verb:   be used by; as of a utility

  Example: "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"

• verb:   be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

  Example: "Nothing else will serve"

• name:  A surname (very rare: popularity rank in the U.S.: #78340)