How to Pronounce Serves

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

serves

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/sɜːvz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “serves”

"serves" has 2 syllables: serv-es. It rhymes with observes and reserves, if that helps it stick.

What does serves 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

Hear “serves” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with serves

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

observesreservesnervespreservesdeservesswervescurvespurves

Related words

helpserviceassistfunctionprocessattend

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "serves"?▾

"Serves" has 2 syllables: serv · es.

What is the IPA transcription of "serves"?▾

The IPA transcription of "serves" is /sɜːvz/.

What does "serves" mean?▾

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

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