servant

[sur-vuhnt]

noun

1. a person employed by another, especially to perform domestic duties.

2. a person in the service of another.

3. a person employed by the government.

   a public servant.

servant

/ ˈsɜːvənt /

noun

1. a person employed to work for another, esp one who performs household duties

2. See public servant

Other Word Forms

• servant-like adjective
• servantless adjective
• servantlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of servant¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Old French, noun use of present participle of servir to serve; -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of servant¹

C13: via Old French, from servant serving, from servir to _serve

Example Sentences

Anna Bates has always been one of Downton Abbey’s most loyal servants and a thoughtful friend to Lady Mary.

From Los Angeles Times

The commission also unearthed new evidence that showed senior public servants who designed and ran the scheme knew it was unlawful.

From BBC

A senior civil servant from the Treasury has been included in recent talks with the creditors.

From BBC

Since joining the House of Lords she has used her speeches to warn about proposed cuts to the civil service, criticising those who call public servants "pen pushers".

From BBC

The civil servant now running Starmer's private office has spent his career at the Treasury.

From BBC

Related Words

• assistant 
• attendant 
• helper