Dictionary
1wait
verb \ˈwāt\
: to stay in a place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something, etc.
: to not do something until something else happens
: to remain in a state in which you expect or hope that something will happen soon
Full Definition of WAIT
transitive verb
1
: to stay in place in expectation of : await <waited the result of the advertisement — W. M. Thackeray> <wait your turn>
2
: to delay serving (a meal)
3
: to serve as waiter for <wait tables>
intransitive verb
1
a : to remain stationary in readiness or expectation <wait for a train> b : to pause for another to catch up —usually used with up
2
a : to look forward expectantly <just waiting to see his rival lose> b : to hold back expectantly <waiting for a chance to strike>
3
: to serve at meals —usually used in such phrases as wait on tables or wait on table
4
a : to be ready and available <slippers waiting by the bed> b : to remain temporarily neglected or unrealized <the chores can wait>
— wait on also wait upon
1
a : to attend as a servant b : to supply the wants of : serve
2
: to make a formal call on
3
: to wait for
— wait up
: to delay going to bed : stay up
See wait defined for English-language learners
See wait defined for kids
Usage Discussion of WAIT
American dialectologists have evidence showing wait on (sense 3) to be more a Southern than a Northern form in speech. Handbook writers universally denigrate wait on and prescribe wait for in writing. Our evidence from printed sources does not show a regional preference; it does show that the handbooks' advice is not based on current usage <settlement of the big problems still waited on Russia — Time> <I couldn't make out … whether Harper was waiting on me for approval — E. B. White> <the staggering bill that waited on them at the white commissary downtown — Maya Angelou>. One reason for the continuing use of wait on may lie in its being able to suggest protracted or irritating waits better than wait for <for two days I've been waiting on weather — Charles A. Lindbergh> <the boredom of black Africans sitting there, waiting on the whims of a colonial bureaucracy — Vincent Canby> <doesn't care to sit around waiting on a House that's virtually paralyzed — Glenn A. Briere>. Wait on is less common than wait for, but if it seems natural, there is no reason to avoid it.
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Origin of WAIT
Middle English, from Anglo-French waiter, guaiter to watch over, await, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wahta watch, Old English wæccan to watch — more at wake
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to WAIT
2wait
noun
: a period of time when you must wait
Full Definition of WAIT
1
a : a hidden or concealed position —used chiefly in the expression lie in wait b : a state or attitude of watchfulness and expectancy <anchored in wait for early morning fishing — Fred Zimmer>
2
a : one of a band of public musicians in England employed to play for processions or public entertainments b (1) : one of a group who serenade for gratuities especially at the Christmas season (2) : a piece of music by such a group
3
: an act or period of waiting <a long wait in line>
See wait defined for English-language learners
Origin of WAIT
Middle English waite watchman, observation, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wahta watch
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to WAIT
- Synonyms
- detainment, detention, holdback, holding pattern, holdup, delay
WAITING Defined for Kids
1wait
verb \ˈwāt\
wait·edwait·ing
Definition of WAIT for Kids
1
: to stay in a place looking forward to something that is expected to happen <Denmark's fishermen didn't wait for sunny days to take their boats out … — Lois Lowry, Number the Stars>
2
: to stop moving or doing something <Wait at the door.> <Wait a second—I have a better idea.>
3
: to remain not done or dealt with <The chore can wait.> <There's a package waiting for you.>
4
: to serve food as a waiter or waitress
2wait
noun
Definition of WAIT for Kids
1
: an act or period of waiting <We had a long wait.>
2
: a hidden place from which a surprise attack can be made Hint:This sense of wait is usually used in the expression lie in wait.
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