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.
Just as a waiter earns a big tip by delighting guests, businesses earn healthy profits by delighting customers. Boris Kontsevoi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Candles are lit on each table, and waiters offer appetizers, main courses and dessert. Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2025 The waiter has a hard time understanding us. R29 Team, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 2025 While others couldn't help but note the waiter's reaction. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 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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