servant

word

/ˈsɝvənt/
SUR-vuhnt
/sˈɜːvənt/
SUR-vuhnt

Definition

A servant is a person who works in another person's home, doing tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or helping the family. The word can also be used more generally for someone who serves a person, group, or cause.

Usage & Nuances

This word is common in historical, literary, and formal contexts, but in modern everyday English it can sound old-fashioned or socially loaded. For current jobs, people often say 'housekeeper', 'cleaner', 'assistant', or 'domestic worker' instead. Also note the fixed expression 'public servant'.

Example Sentences

The movie shows how a loyal servant can know more than the master.

natural

He calls himself a public servant, but people think he only cares about power.

natural

That word sounds a bit harsh today; I'd probably say domestic worker instead of servant.

natural

The rich family had one servant in the house.

basic

The servant opened the door for the guests.

basic

In the story, the old servant helps the king.

basic