self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice ˈself-ˈsər-vəs How to pronounce self-service (audio)
: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with goods or services to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by using a coin-operated mechanism or a credit or debit card
self-service adjective

Examples of self-service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without electricity, though, the 100LL self-service fuel tank was out of service until power was restored. — Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 The 170-key resort is already making headlines for its self-service wine wall and real-time dolphin and whale alerts, which notify guests when there’s a sighting. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 The chefs cook the food within arm’s reach of the self-service tables The main course consists of a variety of meats cooked over the open fire. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The platform also has a student loan self-service center and many financial educational resources online. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-service

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-service was in 1913

Rhymes for self-service

See All Rhymes for self-service

Browse Nearby Words

self-serve
self-service
self-serving
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Cite this Entry

“Self-service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-service. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-service

noun
self-ser·​vice
ˈself-ˈsər-vəs
: the serving of oneself (as in a restaurant or gas station) with things to be paid for at a cashier's desk or by means of a mechanism that is operated by coins
self-service adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-service

Nglish: Translation of self-service for Spanish Speakers

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