# servant

/ˈsɝvənt/ (US) · /sˈɜːvənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/servant
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. domestic worker

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 2. public official

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

someone who works for the government or the public.

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

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

### 3. religious follower

noun · CEFR B2

a person who serves or obeys God or a religion.

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

- The priest described himself as a humble servant of God.
- The scripture encourages every servant of the faith to act with charity and humility toward others.

## Examples

- The wealthy family employed a servant to manage the large house.
- In many religious texts, the prophet is described as a humble servant of God who follows every command.
- While the historical role of the domestic servant has largely vanished in modern egalitarian societies, the term persists in the concept of a 'public servant' dedicated to the common good.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.