wait

/weɪt/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To stay in a place or delay an action until a particular time or event occurs.

    • We had to wait outside until the rain stopped.

    • Are you waiting for the morning train?

  2. To serve food and drinks to customers at tables in a restaurant.

    • She waited tables on weekends while attending college.

    • Who is waiting on our table tonight?

Collocations

  • wait patiently
  • wait in line
  • wait up
  • wait tables

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

  • wait and see

    delay a judgment or decision until future developments occur

    We should wait and see how the market reacts before investing.

  • can't wait

    feel very excited about something that will happen soon

    I cannot wait to start my new job next week.

  • lie in wait

    hide while watching for someone or something to arrive

    The officers lay in wait near the warehouse entrance.