wait

Definitions

1. verb

   To stay in a place or not act until something happens.

   Examples

   • Wait here until your car arrives.
   • I am still waiting for you to pay me back.
   ≈hold one's breath
2. verb

   To serve food to customers in a restaurant.

   Examples

   • She used to wait in this place.
   • He waited tables all through college.
   ≈wait on≈wait upon≈serve
3. verb

   In older use, to wait for something to happen.

   Examples

   • You must wait your turn.
   • The soldiers wait their leader.
4. verb

   In old use, to go with someone as a servant or guard.

   Examples

   • A thousand horsemen waited the funeral.
   • Sadness shall wait on you.
   ≈bestand
5. verb

   To follow as a result, used with on.

   Examples

   • Danger waits on every reckless decision.
   • Success waits on careful planning and hard work.
   ≈attend≈escort≈go with
6. verb

   To delay a meal until someone arrives.

   Examples

   • His mother waited breakfast for her.
   • We will wait dinner until everyone arrives.
   ≈defer
7. verb

   To hide and watch, ready to attack.

   Examples

   • The thief waited near the alley, ready to strike.
   • Hunters wait patiently near a watering hole.
8. verb

   To stay loyal to a partner who is far away.

   Examples

   • When he left, he said, Don't wait for me.
   • She promised to wait for him however long it took.
9. noun

   A period of time spent waiting.

   Examples

   • I had a very long wait at the airport.
   • There is usually a short wait for a table on weekends.
10. noun

    In old use, a hidden place where people lie ready to attack.

    Examples

    • They lay in wait for the patrol.
    • The enemy was in wait on the road.