What does servant mean?
A servant is someone who performs work or provides assistance for another person, especially in a private household. The word has a long history and can refer more broadly to a person who serves an organization, community, or religious cause, as in 'a servant of the people' or 'a servant of God.' Its everyday use is less common than it once was, since domestic workers are now usually described as household staff, aides, or employees, but the word remains familiar in historical, literary, and religious contexts. Depending on context, 'servant' can imply paid employment, loyal service, humility, or devoted religious commitment. The expression 'domestic servant' is a traditional term for someone employed to carry out household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for family members.
A person employed to perform household duties or provide personal service to another person, especially in a domestic household.
"The servant prepared dinner and answered the door."
The traditional term is especially common in historical, literary, and religious contexts; in modern service-sector language, 'household staff' or 'home help' may be preferred.
A person who serves or works on behalf of another person, community, or institution.
"The elected official described himself as a servant of the people."
This use is formal or rhetorical and can convey humility, loyalty, or public responsibility.
To serve or attend upon someone.
"The young attendant served the master quietly."
This verb is obsolete or highly literary and is not common in modern standard English.
The standard plural is 'servants.' In modern contexts, 'household staff' or 'employees' may be used instead when describing domestic employment.
"The servants prepared the rooms before the guests arrived."
From Latin servus, meaning a servant or slave, the word eventually acquired the broader sense of anyone who serves another person or institution.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does servant come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French servant, which was derived from the present participle of Latin servire, 'to serve.' That verb was based on Latin servus, meaning a servant or enslaved person. The same root appears in related English words including service, servitude, servile, and preserve. Over time, the word's meaning broadened from a household worker to anyone who serves another person, institution, or religious power.
How servant is actually used
In contemporary British and American English, the term is most commonly used for someone employed in domestic service, though it can also be formal or literary. Religious uses such as 'servant of God' are traditional and may sound solemn or archaic. The verb is obsolete or highly literary.
Easily confused with servant
A servant is a person who performs work for another person, while a server is usually a computer, application, or device that provides services or information to users.