waitstaff

noun

wait·​staff ˈwāt-ˌstaf How to pronounce waitstaff (audio)
: the staff of servers at a restaurant

Examples of waitstaff 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.
Meanwhile, Julia, Lisa, and Kiki all pull the short straw and go to Alexia and Frankie’s Beauty Bar for free manicures, half-stale prosecco, and warm sushi passed around by waitstaff that aren’t even hot. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 In 2021, the restaurant introduced robots to the waitstaff, not to replace the human servers but to deliver plates to tables and return them to the kitchen. Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 The restaurant, which has an upscale dining room and casual cafe, is renowned for chef Frank Stitt’s Southern-meets-Italian fare but also for its gracious waitstaff, who are led by his wife, Pardis, the co-owner. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 When the cousins stopped at a restaurant on the square for a quick lunch, the waitstaff were friendly, cracking jokes and seating them efficiently despite a crowd. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waitstaff

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waitstaff was in 1981

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Cite this Entry

“Waitstaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waitstaff. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

waitstaff

noun
wait·​staff ˈwāt-ˌstaf How to pronounce waitstaff (audio)
: a staff of servers at a restaurant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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