Definitions

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.

Proton’s customer support prioritizes self-service, which may not satisfy users who want immediate, hands-on assistance from actual humans.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 9, 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

Company historian John F. Love explained the lasting significance of McDonald’s new self-service system: “Working-class families could finally afford to feed their kids restaurant food.”

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