noun

server

/ˈsɜːrvər/ · say it: SUR·vur

a computer that provides services to other computers

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (noun) a computer or device that stores information and provides it to other computers connected to a network

2. (noun) a person whose job is to bring food and drinks to customers in a restaurant

3. (noun) a person who starts a game by hitting a ball in tennis or volleyball

Examples

1. The web server was down, so the website was not accessible.
2. Our server brought us water and took our order.
3. The server hit the ball hard across the net to begin the match.

How to use server

Server has three primary domains: computing (a machine providing services to clients), hospitality (restaurant staff), and sports (the player who initiates play). In technical contexts, it is neutral and precise. In restaurant settings, it is neutral but increasingly challenged by neutral alternatives like 'wait staff'. In sports, it is standard terminology.

Common phrases

web server
database server
server down
server error
file server
tennis server

Synonyms

host · computer · waiter · waitress

Opposites

client

Word family

serve · serving · service

A common mistake

Confusing 'server' with 'service' in computing contexts; learners sometimes say 'the service is down' when 'the server is down' is more precise.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD