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.
Despite its self-service model, NextivaONE advertises a free onboarding service with one-on-one technical help. John Brandon, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Support self-service analytics using intuitive platforms, enabling users across departments to act on insights. Govinda Rao Banothu, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Bank teller—The rise of mobile banking and self-service kiosks continues to reduce the need for in-branch banking staff. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Chatbots, self-service portals, video tutorials and FAQs to ensure customers are receiving immediate support. Ariel Chen, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Self-service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-service. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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