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.
The waiters served shrimp remoulade, prime rib and turtle soup. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 The waiter returned with our entrees — salad for me, and a big bowl of mac and cheese for Jacob. Anna Salinas, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 At dinner last night, our waiter interrupted us three times and stayed at our table for more than five minutes taking over our conversation. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2025 Season 1 Alec Merlino as Hutch, a waiter and bartender at the White Lotus Resort & Spa Maui. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiter. Accessed 2 May. 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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