verb Very common

served

survd

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Served (verb) means Delivered something with real impact, especially a striking look, performance or piece of attitude. Often used with no object, or with the quality supplied afterwards. Example: “She served at the awards, that dress was unbelievable.”

verb

slang Delivered something with real impact, especially a striking look, performance or piece of attitude. Often used with no object, or with the quality supplied afterwards.

"She served at the awards, that dress was unbelievable."

"He served face the entire runway."

"Honestly, she walked in and served, everyone stopped talking to look."

slang Comprehensively beaten or humiliated, especially in a contest or exchange of insults; chiefly in you got served.

"You just got served in front of the whole class."

"Their crew got served in the first round."

"He boasted loudly, then got served by a perfect comeback from his sister."

Past tense and past participle of serve: to have given someone food or drink, provided a service, worked for an organisation, or formally delivered legal documents.

"Dinner was served at eight."

"She served twelve years in the navy."

"He was served with divorce papers at work."

How to use served

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNailed it, especially a look; or, in got served, got thoroughly beaten.

When to use it

The slang senses are informal and originate in Black American and drag culture; the legal and hospitality senses are standard.

Easily confused with

ate → slayed served up

Common pairings

served face she served you got served served with papers

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ at the awards, that dress was unbelievable.

Etymology

The slang senses extend the ordinary verb serve, from the idea of presenting something to someone; the look-based sense is associated with American ballroom and drag culture.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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slayed delivered killed it ate owned schooled destroyed shown up

Related words

had gave sent owned saved destroyed drunk delivered

Rhymes for served

reserved deserved observed unnerved

See all rhymes for served →

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean when someone says she served?

It means she looked or performed exceptionally well and made an impression. Nothing follows it grammatically, which is part of the effect: served, full stop.

What is the difference between served and got served?

They are near opposites. Served is a compliment meaning you delivered brilliantly; got served means someone else beat or humiliated you. The passive turns the praise into a defeat.

What does served mean in legal terms?

It means court documents were formally delivered to a person, so they are officially on notice of a case against them. Being served starts the clock on the deadline to respond.

What is the meaning of served?

"served" (verb) means delivered something with real impact, especially a striking look, performance or piece of attitude. Often used with no object, or with the quality supplied afterwards.

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had gave sent owned saved destroyed drunk delivered