noun
service
A set of tableware for a specified number of diners.
The cabinet holds a dinner service for eight people.
Etymology
Service concerns the act of serving. The tableware noun names the coordinated objects used to serve a meal to a particular number of diners.
More examples
- They received a silver tea service as a wedding gift.
- One cup was missing from the service.
- The museum displayed several porcelain services.
Forms
service · services
Similar words
- set
- A general term that does not specifically imply tableware.
- tableware
- The dishes and utensils generally rather than a matched set.