self-service

[self-sur-vis] / ˈsɛlfˈsɜr vɪs /

NOUN

ability to serve oneself

Synonyms

STRONG

buffet smorgasbord

WEAK

self-serve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He noted that the pressures on Monday’s self-service sales relate to AI in a way.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 9, 2026

I have no problem with no-frills service or self-service when I am getting a deal in return.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

These are the offices of Evoke Creative, which makes self-service terminals, the sort of things you see popping up everywhere from McDonald's to your local library.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

“But it is still early days as self-service launched only in late 2025.”

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Carl’s first self-service restaurant was a success, and he soon opened others near California’s new freeway off-ramps.

From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser