(~s)
1.
A ~ is something such as health care, transport, or the removal of waste which is organized by the government or an official body in order to benefit all the people in a particular society or community.
The money is used by local authorities to pay for ~s.
N-COUNT
2.
You use ~ to refer to activities and jobs which are provided or paid for by a government, especially through the civil service.
...a distinguished career in ~.
N-UNCOUNT: oft N n
3.
Public service broadcasting consists of television and radio programmes supplied by an official or government organization, rather than by a commercial company. Such programmes often provide information or education, as well as entertainment.
ADJ: ADJ n
4.
Public service activities and types of work are concerned with helping people and providing them with what they need, rather than making a profit.
...an egalitarian society based on cooperation and ~.
N-UNCOUNT