Server: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday IT contexts to refer to a computer or system that provides data, resources, or services to other computers (clients).

• The web server is down, so the website is currently inaccessible
• We need more storage space on our email server

Used to describe a computer or system that hosts or runs services, websites, or virtual machines. Often used in web hosting or virtual environment contexts.

• Our website is hosted on a dedicated server
• The virtual machine runs on a cloud host

Refers to powerful, large-scale computers used primarily by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and transaction processing.

• The bank's transaction processing is managed by a mainframe
• Mainframes handle massive amounts of data efficiently

Used in the context of networks and distributed systems to indicate a single machine or device in a network. Suitable in both computing and networking discussions.

• A blockchain network consists of multiple nodes
• Each node in the cluster is responsible for a specific task

General term used to describe a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. It is gender-neutral and preferred in formal or professional settings.

• The server brought our food promptly
• We asked the server for the check

Used to describe a male person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. It can be less formal than 'server' and is often used in everyday conversation.

• The waiter took our order quickly
• Can you call the waiter over here?

Used to describe a female person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant. Similar to 'waiter', it is less formal than 'server' and commonly used in casual conversation.

• The waitress was very friendly
• We left a good tip for the waitress