Standard Lemma guide

self-serve

adj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Describing a facility in which the customer performs the work rather than being waited on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • Self-serve gas stations are popular with owners because they need fewer attendants.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: serve-self, self-service

Antonyms: full-service

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbh-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English serve English self-serve From self- + serve.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: önkiszolgáló — Translations
  • Polish: samoobsługowy — Translations