server

[sur-ver]

noun

1. a person who serves.

2. a person who waits on tables; a waiter or waitress.

3. something that serves or is used in serving, as a salver.

4. a broad fork, spoon, or spatula for dishing out and serving individual portions of food, as vegetables, cake, or pie.

5. Also called altar server. Ecclesiastical.,  an attendant on the priest at Mass, who arranges the altar, makes the responses, etc.

6. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) the player who puts the ball or shuttlecock in play.

7. Computers.,  a computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs, and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network.

server

/ ˈsɜːvə /

noun

1. a person who serves

2. RC Church a person who acts as acolyte or assists the priest at Mass

3. something that is used in serving food and drink

4. the player who serves in racket games

5. computing a computer or program that supplies data or resources to other machines on a network

server

1. A computer that manages centralized data storage or network communications resources. A server provides and organizes access to these resources for other computers linked to it.

server

1. Computer or software that performs administration or coordination functions within a network.

Word History and Origins

Origin of server¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; serve + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

At the start of this year, Identity Digital announced that it had moved where all the .ai domains are hosted, from servers in Anguilla, to its own global server network.

From BBC

Data centres host thousands of servers - a specialised type of computer for processing and sending data.

From BBC

Even in a moment of respite, when Roman takes Hank to a late-night diner for her favorite black and white cookie, the director has instructed the server to hurl the plate at her dismissively.

From Los Angeles Times

Virtual private networks connect users to websites using a remote server and conceal their actual IP address and location, meaning they can circumvent blocks on particular sites or content.

From BBC

Flanked by tuxedoed servers and the maître d’, she announced the founder’s death, mostly silencing the crowded dining room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flight attendant 
• hostess 
• stewardess 
• waiter 
• waitress