How to Pronounce Serve

To pronounce "serve", say SERV-e — 2 syllables, IPA /sɜːv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

serve

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/sɜːv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “serve”

"serve" has 2 syllables: serv-e. It rhymes with observe and preserve, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: serv — easy to mix up when writing.

What does serve mean?

noun

  1. An act of putting the ball or shuttlecock in play in various games.

    “Whose serve is it?”

  2. A portion of food or drink, a serving.

verb

  1. (personal) To provide a service (or, by extension, a product, especially food or drink).
  2. To treat (someone) in a given manner.

Synonyms

serviceservingattendbestandwait on

Antonyms

receive

Words that rhyme with serve

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

observepreservevervecurveoeuvreswervenerveconserveunnervedeserve

Related words

helpserviceassistfunctionprocessattend

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "serve"?▾

"Serve" has 2 syllables: serv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "serve"?▾

The IPA transcription of "serve" is /sɜːv/.

What does "serve" mean?▾

Serve: An act of putting the ball or shuttlecock in play in various games.

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