serve-v; 8 Senses

Sense Number 1: fulfill a function/or be used as something

Commentary: NP1[+instrument] SERVE NP2/COMP/ADVP[+goal] NP1 is non-human

Examples:
This table serves both as a desk and a work bench.
That law serves no useful purpose that I can determine.
That sewage plant serves the entire coastal community.
This example will serve to illustrate the point.
He argues that the state-run programs are not serving the public as planned.

Mappings:
PropBank: serve.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4, 12

Sense Number 2: contribute to, be useful to something

Commentary: NP[+instrument] SERVE NP/COMP[+result]

Examples:
His remarks served to ignite whole neighborhoods.
Bold decisions by their visionary CEO have served the firm well over the past decade.
A shot of whiskey served to calm their nerves.
Advocates believe the tax cuts will serve to boost economic growth.

Mappings:
PropBank: serve.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3, 8
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
serve_well 1

Sense Number 3: perform a duty

Commentary: NP[+agent] SERVE PP/NP[+target] NP is +agent

Examples:
He served in Congress for two terms.
They served their country nobly.
The waiter will not serve patrons with no shoes or shirts.
John wants to serve in the National Guard.
They served in Desert Storm.

Mappings:
PropBank: serve.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 7, 10, 13

Sense Number 4: dish out, hand out something, often food

Commentary: NP[+agent] SERVE NP[+object]

Examples:
They are serving mint juleps on the veranda.
Her club serves meals to the homeless on Thursdays.
Bob was served a summons to appear in court.
The sheriff served him papers at his home.
They served up some lively entertainment at the Caberet last night.

Mappings:
PropBank: serve.02,serve.03
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5, 6, 11
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
serve_up 1

Sense Number 5: spend time in prison

Commentary: NP[+topic] SERVE NP[+temporal]

Examples:
He served twenty years in prison for armed robbery.
The prisoners were released before they had served their full terms.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 9

Sense Number 6: mate with, sexual reproduction

Commentary: NP[+agent] SERVE NP[+patient]

Examples:
This pedigree stallion served three brood mares.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 14

Sense Number 7: put a ball into play

Commentary: NP[+agent] SERVE NP[+object][+ball]

Examples:
It was Mary's turn to serve.
He served four aces during the first game of the tournament.
That tennis star has been serving erratically lately.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 15

Sense Number 8: wind protectively with yarn or wire

Commentary: NP[+agent] SERVE NP[+object][+rope/+stay]

Examples:
She served the forestays with heavy yarn.

Mappings: