self-service

noun

self-ser·​vice ˈself-ˈsər-vəs 

: 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

Wonet tried to scan his passport at a self-service kiosk for his flight to Tampa. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026

Whereas many large tax, payroll, and fintech companies move toward automation and self-service, George has instead prioritized things like accessibility, strategic guidance, and real conversations. —Nick Franck, USA Today, 1 May 2026

In January, a Ramen Library opened at the Prestige East Lounge—a sleek self-service station with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stocked with countless brands of ramen packets. —Lauren Mechling, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026

The first one will be available on Tuesday April 28th, when anyone who purchased one of these items will be able to get an immediate self-service refund. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-service

• disservice
• preservice
• interservice
• nervous
• nervus

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