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

Pimentel’s analysis does factor in gratuities which are paid to roles that support guest services, such as cabin stewards, waiters in the dining room and others. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Rolling robot waiters bring customers special items and drinks. — Jenna Thompson july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Instead of returning to finish the evening, Martinez found her waiter on the way back to the table and quietly asked for her check. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Supporters queue patiently while waiters weave between tables carrying trays of Sagres and Super Bock beers. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 7 July 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)