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 of waiter

• waitress
• server

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

While Southerners can keep a secret to their graves, Kennedy and Bessette opted to have caterers, waiters, and other reception staff sign confidentiality agreements, too, according to People. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

There’s no rest for the thirsty, however—the waiter returned, and the guests, after some brief recon, ventured into the Explorative section. —Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2026

Inside, models donned a sea of frilly pink and pearl gowns as waiters in crushed velvet sport coats served up champagne. —Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

All the fresh ingredients, inventive recipes, meticulous plating and glorious design means nothing if my food is served by a grumpy waiter or if my water glass is dirty. —Lynne Sullivan, The Providence Journal, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing waiter

• wine waiter

Rhymes for waiter

• cater
• crater
• frater
• freighter
• gator
• grater
• greater
• hater
• krater
• later
• plater
• prater

Kids Definition

waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwāt-ər 

: one that waits

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