waiter

noun

wait·​er ˈwā-tər How to pronounce waiter (audio)
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

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
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.
Season 1 Alec Merlino as Hutch, a waiter and bartender at the White Lotus Resort & Spa Maui. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025 In fact, most of the action takes place in glances, including glances shot their way by another diner and the waiter. Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 The trunks of various vintage Mercedes car models were popped to reveal silver trays of cocktail glassware, as waiters circulated mixed drinks around the room. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025 Or had a waiter place seltzer and chocolate syrup on every table. Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for waiter

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waiter was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiter. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

waiter

noun
wait·​er ˈwāt-ər How to pronounce waiter (audio)
: one that waits
especially : a person who waits tables (as in a restaurant)

More from Merriam-Webster on waiter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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