busboy

noun

bus·​boy ˈbəs-ˌbȯi How to pronounce busboy (audio)
: a waiter's assistant
specifically : one who removes dirty dishes and resets tables in a restaurant

Examples of busboy in a Sentence

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.
Among them is the club’s busboy singer Ibrahim (Mel Seme as the elder, Wesley Wray as his younger self); guitarist-singer Compay (Julio Monge and Da’von T. Moody); and pianist Ruben (Jainardo Batista Sterling and Leonardo Reyna). Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025 Run by ex-party girl Wendy, unhinged chef Milius, and odd busboy Willard, this Fresno greasy spoon must overcome unpaid bills and a once-in-a-lifetime volcanic eruption. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025 Sunday, however, was for the old-timers — many of whom posed for pictures under the familiar neon sign and tearfully shook hands with busboys and waitresses. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 Britten, who was known by family and friends as Von, worked part time as a busboy at Red Lobster in Matteson and had recently been accepted into a trade school. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for busboy

Word History

Etymology

omnibus busboy

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of busboy was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Busboy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busboy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

busboy

noun
bus·​boy ˈbəs-ˌbȯi How to pronounce busboy (audio)
: a person employed in a restaurant to remove dirty dishes and set tables

More from Merriam-Webster on busboy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!