civil service
nounUK /ˌsɪv.əl ˈsɜː.vɪs/
US /ˌsɪv.əl ˈsɝː.vɪs/
The civil service is the group of people who work for the government to help run the country.
She joined the civil service after college and now works in a government office.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The administrative departments of a government, excluding military and elected officials.
The civil service handles everything from taxes to public health.
3. A system of hiring government workers based on exams and merit rather than political favor.
The country reformed its civil service to reduce corruption.
4. The body of career officials who stay in office even when elected leaders change.
The civil service provides continuity during transitions of power.