# services

/ˈsɝvəsəz/ (US) · /sˈɜːvɪsɪz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. business/work

noun · CEFR B1

the work or help that a person or company provides to customers.

For teachers: intangible products or actions provided by a business or individual to meet a consumer's needs.

- The hotel offers excellent laundry services for its guests.
- The shift from a manufacturing-based economy to one dominated by professional services has transformed the city's workforce over the last decade.

### 2. public utilities

noun · CEFR B1

systems like water, electricity, and gas that are provided for everyone to use.

For teachers: essential public utilities or social systems provided by the state or private companies for the benefit of the community.

- The storm was so bad that emergency services were called to help.
- Local authorities are struggling to maintain social services due to significant budget cuts and an ageing population.

### 3. motorway rest area

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a place next to a big road where you can buy petrol, eat, and use the toilet.

For teachers: a roadside facility, typically on a motorway, providing fuel, food, and rest areas for travellers.

- We stopped at the services to get some coffee and stretch our legs.
- The motorway services were crowded with holidaymakers, making it difficult to find a parking space near the main building.

## Examples

- The hotel offers excellent laundry services to all guests.
- The shift from manufacturing to services has transformed the local economy over the last decade.
- Economists often distinguish between essential public services, such as healthcare and education, and the highly competitive private sector services that drive urban growth.

---

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.