# serve up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/serve-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to provide food for people to eat. You can also use it when a website or TV show presents information to you.

For teachers: To present or provide food for consumption; figuratively, to deliver information or entertainment to a recipient. The verb is transitive and often implies the act of offering something that is ready.

## Examples

- The chef will serve up the main course in a few minutes.
- The streaming service serves up a new list of recommended movies every Friday based on your viewing history.
- The retrospective exhibition serves up a poignant narrative of the artist's evolution, featuring previously unseen sketches alongside her most celebrated masterpieces.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The waiter served up to us." but "The waiter served up the meal to us." — The phrasal verb 'serve up' is transitive and needs a direct object to show what is being provided.

## Usage notes

- You can place the object between 'serve' and 'up' or after the whole phrase.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'serve', which can be intransitive, whereas 'serve up' usually requires a direct object.

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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.