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
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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.
Weigh in as your waiter customizes your hummus, or select the add-ons as your sundae gets made. — Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Turturro, 69, has been staying at the hotel for decades and is on familiar terms with the waiters. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Praise for Selldorf and her award-winning renovation was shown through clinking glasses, applause, and smiles around the room, as waiters in single file arrived with decadent dishes. — Eliza Jordan, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Here was the waiter striding toward them carrying Nina’s salad and a basket of bread. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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)
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