1 servant | Definition of servant

servant

noun
ser·​vant | \ ˈsər-vənt How to pronounce servant (audio) \

Definition of servant

: one that serves others a public servant especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer

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Other Words from servant

servanthood \ ˈsər-​vənt-​ˌhu̇d How to pronounce servanthood (audio) \ noun
servantless adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for servant

Synonyms

daily [British], domestic, flunky (also flunkey), lackey, menial, retainer, slavey, steward

Antonyms

master, mistress

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Examples of servant in a Sentence

the wealthy family had servants to clean and cook for them

Recent Examples on the Web

The other object that particularly struck me in the exhibit was a gentler tool of enslavement, a stylish housecoat for a domestic servant on a Southern plantation. — Mary Schmich, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Be curious. Be uncomfortable. Let yourself learn the history of slavery.," 23 Aug. 2019 Escorted by a military parade, servants shouldering gargantuan bouquets of beans, chillies and rice crackers process to the mosque, where the offerings are handed out. — The Economist, "A Javanese sultan wants his daughter to succeed him. His people object," 17 Aug. 2019 Instead, Osanna tells Italian news agency ANSA that the owner of the sorceress’s kit was likely owned by a slave or servant. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "A Sorceress’s Kit Was Discovered in the Ashes of Pompeii," 14 Aug. 2019 As for West Ham, long-term servant Mark Noble is racing to be fit for the trip to the Amex, while Brazilian winger Felipe Anderson is a doubt after limping off on the opening day of the season. — SI.com, "Brighton vs West Ham Preview: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 14 Aug. 2019 Hospitals were somewhat frumpy, primarily community servants rather than businesses. — Jeffrey M. Drazen, BostonGlobe.com, "How drug ads drive up health care costs," 13 Aug. 2019 Kelly is one to watch in 2019 for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is given to the top community servant from the College Football Subdivision. — Pat Stoetzer, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "College Notebook: Century grad, Loyola standout Kristen Yanchoris named Patriot League’s top scholar-athlete," 29 July 2019 One grandmother had been a factory girl and the other a servant. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Jerome P. Kenney Led Merrill Lynch’s Push Into Investment Banking," 28 June 2019 Fernandinho has been a fantastic servant to Man City, but Rodri is younger and more mobile, while being no less accomplished on the ball as the Brazilian. — SI.com, "Man City vs Tottenham: Picking the Best Available Combined XI Ahead of Saturday's League Clash," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'servant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of servant

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for servant

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle of servir

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More Definitions for servant

servant

noun

English Language Learners Definition of servant

: a person who is hired to do household or personal duties such as cleaning and cooking
: a person who is devoted to or guided by something

servant

noun
ser·​vant | \ ˈsər-vənt How to pronounce servant (audio) \

Kids Definition of servant

: a person hired to perform household or personal services

servant

noun
ser·​vant

Legal Definition of servant

: a person who serves others: as
a : an individual who performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer
b : a person in the employ and subject to the direction or control of an individual or company — see also respondeat superior — compare agent, master

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More from Merriam-Webster on servant

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with servant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for servant

Spanish Central: Translation of servant

Nglish: Translation of servant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of servant for Arabic Speakers