WordLens

wait

1 of 2verb
/weɪt/
Forms:waits,waiting,waited,waited
1

to not leave until a person or thing is ready or present or something happens

A2
  • We're patiently waiting for the rain to stop.
  • Please wait a moment while I check on the availability of the item.
  • If you arrive early, you may have to wait until the restaurant opens.
  • Patients are asked to wait in the waiting room until their name is called.
  • The students had to wait patiently for the exam results.
2

to work in a restaurant serving meals to customers

transitive
  • He's waiting tables to earn some extra money.
  • They both waited on customers during the lunch rush.
  • She enjoys the fast-paced environment of waiting tables.
  • She's waiting on weekends to help cover her expenses.
  • They hired new staff to help wait tables during busy hours.
3

to wish or look for a specific thing to take place, particularly for a long period of time

  • He's waiting for the perfect time to propose to his girlfriend.
  • She's been waiting for the right opportunity to start her own business.
  • He had waited for a decade to achieve his dream of publishing a novel.
  • This chance to travel is the adventure we've been waiting for.
Synonyms: