serve out

To complete all of a period of work, duty, or punishment.

• She served out her term.
• He must serve out the remaining two years of his sentence.
• Will the president serve out his time in office?

How to use it: serve out something (The mayor will serve out her term.); serve something out (He served his sentence out in a local prison.)

Similar words: complete, finish

Common phrases: serve out a sentence, serve out a term

To win a set or match by winning the last game while you are serving.

• She served out the match.
• He failed to serve out the set at the first attempt.
• Can she serve it out under pressure?

How to use it: serve out a set/match (She served out the set without losing a point.)

Common phrases: serve out the match, serve out the set

To give portions or shares of something to several people.

• They served out soup to everyone.
• The cook served the food out in equal portions.
• Who will serve out the rations tonight?

How to use it: serve out something to someone (They served out bread to the waiting families.); serve something out (We served the soup out into bowls.)

Similar words: distribute, give out, dish out

Common phrases: serve out soup, serve out the rations