Phrase guide

serve up

verb · 4 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.

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Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To present (food or drink) to those who will consume it; to serve.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • She serves up pizza at nights.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To provide; deliver; inflict; impose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The cloud storage provider serves up server space.
  • Kyle serves up heroin in northside.
  • I have a plan to serve up revenge on those who wronged me.
  • Mr. Perry is going to serve up an improvement plan that comes from the suits upstairs.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To pitch, throw, serve, or kick a ball to an opponent so that it is easily hit or intercepted.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • He thought he was about to score, but he served it up to the other team.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

provide (usually but not necessarily food)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We serve meals for the homeless
  • She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
  • The entertainers served up a lively show

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: serve, dish out, dish up, dish

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: provide, supply, ply, cater

Narrower terms: plank

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.