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.
Sparing no detail, as my spaghetti arrived, my waiter fixed a bib over my dress to protect it from rogue splatters. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 After the appetizers, waiters arrived in unison to lift silver cloches and reveal blushes, and eyeliners appeared once the main course was cleared. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 A lot of the appeal of going to theaters is that the performance remains a mystery right up until showtime, a benefit that stealthy filming could threaten, said Bradley, a waiter and theatre director. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 At the time they were cast in Heated Rivalry, Williams and Storrie were both working as waiters. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 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 14 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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