servo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Informal
Quick answer
What does “servo” mean?
A device that provides automated control or movement, using feedback to adjust its position or speed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that provides automated control or movement, using feedback to adjust its position or speed.
In informal contexts, particularly in motorsports or hobbies, it can refer to a power-assisted component or system, such as a servo brake. In computing, it is part of 'servomechanism' or used in project names (e.g., Servo web engine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More common in UK English in historical automotive contexts (e.g., 'servo-assisted brakes'). In US English, 'servo motor' or 'servo drive' are standard in engineering.
Connotations
In the UK, may evoke classic car terminology. In the US, stronger association with robotics, RC models, and industrial automation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical automotive use; comparable in modern technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “servo” in a Sentence
[servo] + [noun] (attributive use)the [noun] is servo-controlledto adjust/connect/calibrate the servoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineer will servo the actuator to the new set point.
American English
- The system servos the arm to the programmed position.
adjective
British English
- The vintage car has servo-assisted brakes.
- It's a sophisticated servo mechanism.
American English
- We need a new servo motor for the robot.
- Check the servo control parameters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing or tech sales discussing automation components.
Academic
Used in engineering, robotics, and control systems papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Heard among hobbyists (e.g., RC cars, drones) or when discussing car brakes.
Technical
The primary register. Refers to closed-loop control systems in engineering, robotics, and aviation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servo”
- Using 'servo' as a common verb (e.g., 'I servoed it').
- Confusing 'servo' with 'server' in computing contexts.
- Misspelling as 'serve-o' or 'servoe'.
- Overusing in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard technical term in engineering and robotics but is considered jargon outside those fields.
Rarely. In highly technical contexts, 'to servo' means to control via a servomechanism, but it's not common in general English.
A standard motor simply spins; a servo motor includes feedback control (often via a potentiometer or encoder) to precisely control its position, speed, or torque.
Yes, it is a clipped form of 'servomechanism' or 'servomotor'.
A device that provides automated control or movement, using feedback to adjust its position or speed.
Servo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.vəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.voʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the servo of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SERVant Obeying precise orders, like a SERVO follows control signals.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SERVANT / OBEDIENT WORKER (it performs tasks as directed by a master controller).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'servo' most commonly and correctly used?