What does "servant" mean?

1. (domestic worker) a person who is paid to work in someone else's house, doing tasks like cleaning or cooking. 2. (public official) someone who works for the government or the public. 3. (religious follower) a person who serves or obeys God or a religion.

How do you use "servant"?

Often used in historical contexts; modern equivalents are usually 'housekeeper' or 'domestic worker'. Commonly found in the compound noun 'public servant'.

servant

US //ˈsɝvənt// UK //sˈɜːvənt// ser·vant

1 domestic worker (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a person who is paid to work in someone else's house, doing tasks like cleaning or cooking.

a person employed by another to perform domestic duties within a household.

Example

In the past, wealthy families often had several servants to help with the housework.

Example

The historical drama depicts the complex social hierarchy between the wealthy landowners and the domestic servants who maintained the estate.

Usage

Often used in historical contexts; modern equivalents are usually 'housekeeper' or 'domestic worker'.
- master
- employer
2 public official (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

someone who works for the government or the public.

an individual who performs duties for the benefit of the public or a government body.

Example

He spent his entire career as a public servant, working to improve the city's schools.

Example

The prime minister reminded the cabinet that they were, first and foremost, servants of the people.

Usage

Commonly found in the compound noun 'public servant'.
- official
- employee

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3 religious follower (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

a person who serves or obeys God or a religion.

a person who expresses their devotion to a deity or religious cause through service and obedience.

Example

The priest described himself as a humble servant of God.

Example

The scripture encourages every servant of the faith to act with charity and humility toward others.
- devotee
- follower

Origin

From Middle English servaunt, from Old French servant, from the present participle of the verb servir. Doublet of sergeant and servient. Morphologically serve + -ant. Displaced native Old English þeġn.