serving

word · lemma: serve

/ˈsɝvɪŋ/
SUR-ving
/sˈɜːvɪŋ/
SUR-ving

Definition

A serving is an amount of food given to one person at one time. It can also mean the act of giving food to someone, but the food-amount meaning is more common.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used with food and nutrition: 'a serving of rice', 'two servings per container'. In everyday speech, 'portion' is often close in meaning, but 'serving' is especially common on menus, food packages, and health information. As an adjective/participle, it can also appear in phrases like 'serving spoon' or 'staff serving customers', which are different uses.

Example Sentences

One serving of pasta is enough for me.

basic

The box says there are four servings inside.

basic

Honestly, the restaurant's idea of one serving is huge.

natural

I checked the label, and we're eating three servings each.

natural

This soup has one serving left.

basic

Can you split that dessert into two servings?

natural