Phrase guide

service of process

noun · 3 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The delivery of information to a person or entity providing notice that they are being sued with sufficient detail for them to respond to the suit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: law

Examples

  • The process server could not effect service of process because the defendant was nowhere to be found.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The effective notification of a lawsuit such that a court may proceed with the case.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: law

Examples

  • The court found plaintiff's service of process effective, although the defendant refused to receive the complaint.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he accepted service of the subpoena

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: service, serving

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: delivery, bringing

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 送达 (sòng dá) — delivery of information providing notice
  • Finnish: haaste — delivery of information providing notice
  • Spanish: diligencia de emplazamiento — delivery of information providing notice
  • Chinese Mandarin: 传票 (chuánpiào) — effective notification of a lawsuit
  • Chinese Mandarin: 送达 (sòng dá) — effective notification of a lawsuit
  • Finnish: haaste — effective notification of a lawsuit
  • Spanish: diligencia de emplazamiento — effective notification of a lawsuit