English Reference
noun

server

n.
US /ˈsɝvɝ/ UK /sˈɜːvɐ/ serv·er UK spelling servers

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Computing

    a computer or program that stores information and shares it with other computers on a network.

    a computer or software application that provides specific services, data, or resources to other computers, known as clients, over a network.

    Simple

    The company's email server went down, so nobody could send messages for an hour.

    In context

    The IT department migrated the database to a cloud-based server to ensure better scalability during peak traffic periods.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate American English

    a person who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant.

    a person employed to wait on tables in a restaurant; a gender-neutral alternative to waiter or waitress.

    Simple

    Our server was very friendly and recommended the best pasta on the menu.

    In context

    The server handled the complicated dietary requests with professional grace, ensuring every guest felt accommodated despite the busy dinner rush.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    a private space on an app like Discord where a group of people can chat and share files.

    a specific instance or community space within a communication platform where members interact in themed channels.

    Simple

    I joined a gaming server to find other people who play the same strategy game.

    In context

    The moderator established strict rules for the server to prevent spam and ensure that discussions remained focused on the project.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the player who starts a point by hitting the ball to the other side.

    the player whose turn it is to put the ball or shuttlecock into play.

    Simple

    The server hit a powerful ace that the other player couldn't even touch.

    In context

    In professional tennis, a dominant server can often dictate the pace of the entire match through high first-serve percentages.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Formal Religion

    a person who helps the priest during a religious ceremony.

    a layperson who assists the celebrant in a religious service, particularly in the liturgy of the Eucharist.

    Simple

    The young server carried the processional cross at the start of the service.

    In context

    The priest was assisted by two servers who were responsible for preparing the altar and ringing the sanctus bell at the appropriate moments.

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This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated