waits; waited; waiting
1
: to stay in a place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something, etc.
I hate waiting in long lines.
They waited at the train station together.
You should have waited a little longer. He showed up right after you left.
I don't have time to wait around. If he's not here in five minutes, I'm leaving.
She waited behind after class to talk to the professor.
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. How may I help you?
I waited and waited but he never showed up.
—often followed by to + verbI'm waiting to use the bathroom.
The taxi is waiting to bring us to the airport.
Doctors are ready and waiting to give aid.
—often + forShe read the newspaper while waiting for the bus.
Wait for me! I'll go with you.
Take a seat and wait for your name to be called.
It can take over an hour to be served at the restaurant, but the food is worth waiting for.
2
: to not do something until something else happens
Wait! Don't start the engine yet.
We waited for the sun to set before starting the fire.
—often + untilWe'll wait until you come back to start the movie. [=we will not start the movie until you come back]
You will have to wait your turn. [=you cannot do something until it is your turn]
3
a
: to remain in a state in which you expect or hope that something will happen soon
I know she was happy when I lost my job. She was waiting to see me fail.
I have waited for this opportunity for a long time.
b
: to remain in a state in which you expect to learn or find out something soon
You will have to wait two weeks for the test results.
She waited for his answer.
We are waiting to hear back from the doctor.
He'll be a star some day—just (you) wait. [=I feel sure that he will be a star some day]
I have to wait and see whether or not I got the job.
"What are you making?" "Wait and see."
4
: to be done or dealt with at a later time
The other issues will just have to wait until our next meeting.
"Can this wait until tomorrow?" "No, it can't wait."
5
: to be in a place ready to be dealt with, taken, etc.
—always used as (be) waiting
It's time to come inside. Dinner is waiting.
—often + forThere is a package waiting for you at home.
She had several messages waiting for her at the office.
plural waits
: a period of time when you must wait
—usually singular
There is never a wait at that restaurant.
He had a long wait in line.
The hostess said there would be a 45-minute wait before she could seat us.
The dish takes a long time to prepare, but the results are worth the wait.
Cite this Entry
“Wait.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/wait. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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