waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwā-tər How to pronounce waiter (audio)
Synonyms of waiternext
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

Synonyms of waiter

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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.
Fresh fish and seafood are the menu's stars, with waiters proudly announcing the catch of the day, but there is also fresh pasta, served al dente with fresh garlic pesto or vine-ripe tomatoes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Luis Mora, a Waverly Hotel waiter, jumps an obstacle in his race to the finish line during the Hotel Sales Management Association waiters race to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026 For instance, your colleagues may be very agreeable and kind to their boss but rude to their more junior colleagues, or the cafeteria waiter. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 My friend Erickson Wilcox, who was one of my waiters from Lot 61, came over and called out bingo. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing waiter

Rhymes for waiter

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Browse Nearby Words

Waite
waiter
waitering
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Cite this Entry

“Waiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiter. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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