waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwā-tər 

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

• garçon
• server
• waitperson

Example Sentences

waiters at that elegant restaurant must go through an extended training program before being allowed to serve customers

Recent Examples on the Web

David was working as a waiter at a vegan restaurant. —Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2023

Big tipper Pop star Jason Derulo tipped a waiter $5,000 while dining in Omaha, Nebraska. —Colby Hentges, CNN, 17 Mar. 2023

Running marketing and promotions via social media and other means is Fabian Gonzalez, who was born in Argentina, moved here as a child and worked as a busboy and waiter at a steakhouse in Chicago. —George Castle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2023

After a workout at a Los Angeles gym in 2014, Sophie and her cousin — who served as her maid of honor during the ceremony — grabbed a coffee at the café next door, where Henderson was her waiter. —Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2023

In the wrong context, all-black can make someone look like a cater-waiter. —Clifford Prince King, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2023

Created and directed by Yılmaz, who is also the lead actor, the film turns on Ayzek, the protagonist, who has been a waiter on ferries for years, becomes unemployed due to the pandemic and eventually finds a job at a hotel on the night shift. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 4 Nov. 2022

After attempting to join an elite philanthropy club, Margaret represents a former club employee who is accused of using the organization for drug smuggling; Todd goes undercover as a waiter at the club to attempt to get intel to help the case. —Olivia Mccormack, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2022

In one spirited scene Schiff fills in as a waiter when the restaurant is short-staffed; in another, the Rhodes family fixes him a lavish Passover Seder. —Sam Sacks, WSJ, 29 July 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing waiter

• wine waiter

• wine waiter

Kids Definition

waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwāt-ər 

: one that waits

especially : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)