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wait
[weyt]
verb (used without object)
to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, oruntil ).
to wait for the bus to arrive.
Synonyms: , , ,(of things) to be available or in readiness.
A letter is waiting for you.
to remain neglected for a time.
a matter that can wait.
to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed.
We waited a week and then bought the house. Your vacation will have to wait until next month.
to look forward to eagerly.
I'm just waiting for the day somebody knocks him down.
verb (used with object)
to continue in expectation of; await.
I sat nervously on the bench, waiting my turn to audition.
to postpone or delay in expectation.
Don't wait supper for me.
Archaic.(of things) to be in readiness for; be reserved for; await.
Glory waits thee.
Archaic.to attend upon or escort, especially as a sign of respect.
noun
an act or instance of waiting or awaiting; delay; halt.
a wait at the border.
a period or interval of waiting.
There will be a long wait between trains.
Theater.
the time between two acts, scenes, or the like.
British.
waits, (formerly) a band of musicians employed by a city or town to play music in parades, for official functions, etc.
a street musician, especially a singer.
one of a band of carolers.
a piece sung by carolers, especially a Christmas carol.
Obsolete.a watchman.
verb phrase
to postpone going to bed to await someone's arrival.
Informalto halt and wait for another to join one, as in running or walking.
Wait up, I can't walk so fast.
to perform the duties of an attendant or servant for.
to supply the wants of a person, as serving a meal or serving a customer in a store.
to call upon or visit (a person, especially a superior).
to wait on Her Majesty at the palace.
Falconry(of a hawk) to soar over ground until prey appears.
Midland_and_Southern_U.S.to wait for (a person); await.
Also wait upon. to await (an event).
wait
/ ɱɪ /
verb
to stay in one place or remain inactive in expectation (of something); hold oneself in readiness (for something)
to delay temporarily or be temporarily delayed
that work can wait
(of things) to be in store (for a person)
success waits for you in your new job
(intr) to act as a waiter or waitress
noun
the act or an instance of waiting
a period of waiting
rare(plural) a band of musicians who go around the streets, esp at Christmas, singing and playing carols
an interlude or interval between two acts or scenes in a play, etc
to prepare an ambush (for someone)
Usage
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of wait1
Idioms and Phrases
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
As for Masters champion McIlroy, a bogey at the 18th capped another testing day and left him "waiting for my week to end".
He was put on the waiting list for a kidney but was warned that it could take a very long time.
“We are functioning based on rumors that we hear ... I’m still waiting to hear if the president will take my call,” she added.
"When people are still missing, how can they possibly complete the DNA process by tomorrow? if my niece's remains have not even been found? The wait is killing us," he said.
Parents who missed the application deadline may have to wait until after the first round of offers before they find out where their child has a place.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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