waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwā-tər How to pronounce waiter (audio)
1
: one that waits on another
especially : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)
2
: a tray on which something (such as a tea service) is carried : salver

Examples of waiter in a Sentence

waiters at that elegant restaurant must go through an extended training program before being allowed to serve customers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One person created a GoFundMe to raise money for the waiter, and has raised over $9,550 exceeding its goal of $1,000. Charna Flam, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Related Articles The courtyard outside the Polo Lounge was lit with heat lamps and scattered with waiters bearing trays of skinny margaritas, as well as red and white wine. Leigh Nordstrom, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025 And the waiters, bartenders, chefs, beach butlers and everyone else worked hard for the guests to have a good time. Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Image As waiters offered fries in Anthora coffee cups, bartenders served cocktails with New Yorker-appropriate names. Alex Vadukul, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waiter

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waiter was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Waiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiter. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

waiter

noun
wait·​er ˈwāt-ər How to pronounce waiter (audio)
: one that waits
especially : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)

More from Merriam-Webster on waiter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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