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.
Imagine discovering a new restaurant where the owner is the chef, the host and even the waiter. Dan Teixeira, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Pendergrass was a bit slower out of the blocks, mainly working as a waiter at Stoney River. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025 Perhaps because of proclamations to the waiter that the meal was a true work of art, Chef Fabio appeared at our table, thanked us, and headed back to the kitchen. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 13 July 2025 Meanwhile, the waiter awkwardly placed the cake down, and it was quickly forgotten amid the excitement. Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 July 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 21 Jul. 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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