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.
Our waiter, whose name was Joel, was exceptionally affable and helpful throughout service, and as the room started to empty around nine o’clock, that throbbing vibe did too. John Mariani, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 The waiter was older, in his sixties, and spoke a little English. Literary Hub, 18 June 2025 Outside of school, Dominic worked at a restaurant as a waiter and started a dog-walking business, Dom’s Doggy Daycare, with one of his younger brothers, according to the obituary. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 That honor belongs to John (Chris Evans), a cater waiter working the ceremony. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Waiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiter. Accessed 1 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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