Server
/ˈsɜːrvər/
Definitions
3 meaningsA computer or program that manages network resources or provides a service to other computers or devices.
/ˈsɜːrvər/
A computer or program that provides services to other computers or programs.
The company upgraded their server to handle increased website traffic.
💡 Simply: Imagine a waiter at a restaurant. A server is like that waiter, but for computers! It helps other computers get what they need, like websites or files.
👶 For kids: A server is a special computer that helps other computers by giving them information.
More Examples
We need to configure the server to allow remote access.
The game server went down for maintenance.
How It's Used
"The company's website runs on a powerful server located in a data center."
"The file server stores shared documents for all employees."
A person employed to serve customers in a restaurant or other establishment.
/ˈsɜːrvər/
A person who serves customers in a restaurant or other establishment.
The server brought us our drinks promptly.
💡 Simply: In a restaurant, the server is the person who takes your order, brings you food, and makes sure you're happy. They *serve* the customers!
👶 For kids: A server is someone who brings you your food when you eat at a restaurant.
More Examples
The server was very friendly and helpful.
We left a generous tip for the server.
How It's Used
"The server was attentive and provided excellent service at the restaurant."
"A sales server helped us find a new car."
In certain sports, the player who starts the point by hitting the ball to the opponent.
/ˈsɜːrvər/
In sports like tennis, the player who initiates play by hitting the ball.
The server's powerful serve gave her a clear advantage in the match.
💡 Simply: In tennis, the server is the player who hits the ball to start the game.
👶 For kids: In games like tennis, the server is the person who hits the ball to start the game.
More Examples
He faulted on his first serve.
The server's technique improved throughout the tournament.
How It's Used
"The tennis server has to be skillful to win a point with the serve."
Idioms & expressions
server-side
Relating to the operations performed on a server rather than on the client's computer.
"Server-side scripting handles much of the website's functionality."
serve time
To be imprisoned.
"He was sentenced to serve time for his crime."
From Old English *serfian*, to serve, from Latin *servīre*, to be a servant to, from *servus*, slave.
The term 'server' emerged with the development of networked computers in the late 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a restaurant server – it *serves* you food. A computer server *serves* data and functions.
Word Origin
"to serve, be a servant to."