wait
/weɪt/
NOUN
1. A period of delay
A period of time spent waiting for something to happen or for someone or something to become available.
1.1. A delay or period of waiting
An interval during which progress, action, or an expected event is postponed.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- promptness
- haste
- dispatch
Examples
- There was a long wait before the train finally arrived.
- After a brief wait, the doctor called the next patient.
Related Words
- interval
- interim
- detention
- respite
VERB
2. An act of remaining in readiness or expectation
The act of staying in a place or delaying action until someone arrives or something happens.
2.1. Waiting for someone or something
Remaining in a particular place or delaying an action until an expected person, event, or opportunity arrives.
Synonyms
- await
- anticipate
- stay
- remain
- stand by
Antonyms
Examples
- She asked her friend to wait patiently while she finished a quick errand.
- He decided to wait for the next bus rather than taking a cab.
- The anticipation grew as they were told to wait for the exciting announcement.
Related Words
- expect
- look forward to
- sit tight
- hold on
2.2. Remaining somewhere without proceeding
Staying in a place, lingering, or holding one's position instead of moving on or leaving.
Synonyms
- stay
- remain
- linger
- hang around
- stick around
- tarry
Antonyms
- leave
- depart
- move on
Examples
- The guests decided to wait outside until the doors opened.
- We waited around after the meeting to speak with the manager.
Related Words
- loiter
- pause
- rest
- sit tight
2.3. Delaying or postponing an action
Choosing not to act immediately and allowing an action, decision, or event to be postponed until a later time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- act
- proceed
- hurry
Examples
- We decided to wait before making a final decision.
- The company will wait until next month to announce its plans.
Related Words
- hesitate
- procrastinate
- put off
- hold back
2.4. Serving customers in a restaurant
Working as a server by attending to customers, taking orders, bringing food and drinks, and providing service at tables.
Synonyms
- serve
- wait tables
Examples
- She worked evenings to wait tables at a busy restaurant.
- He used to wait on customers at a small neighborhood café.
Related Words
2.5. Attending to or accompanying someone
Providing attendance, assistance, or service to another person, sometimes as part of a formal or ceremonial occasion.
Synonyms
- attend
- accompany
- serve
Examples
- Several attendants waited upon the guests during the formal reception.
Related Words
2.6. Following as a consequence
Occurring or coming after an event or action as its consequence or accompanying result.
Synonyms
- follow
- ensue
Examples
- A difficult decision may wait upon the outcome of the investigation.
Related Words
2.7. Postponing a meal
Delaying the time when a meal is eaten, usually because of another activity or circumstance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- eat
- proceed
Examples
- The family agreed to wait dinner until everyone had arrived.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A concealed attack
An ambush or concealed position from which someone watches for an opportunity to attack or surprise another person.
3.1. An ambush or hidden position
A concealed position occupied by someone who watches and waits for an unsuspecting person or target.
Synonyms
- ambush
- lurk
Examples
- The soldiers lay in wait for the approaching enemy.
Related Words
- trap
- surveillance
- watch
- stakeout
NOUN
4. A person who keeps watch
A person who watches over a place or remains alert to observe events and provide warning.
4.1. A watchman or lookout
A person assigned to observe an area, guard a location, or remain alert for approaching people or danger.
Synonyms
- watchman
- lookout
- sentinel
- guard
Related Words
- watchkeeper
- sentry
- guardian
- observer
NOUN
5. Traditional musicians performing at night
Musicians, especially in historical British usage, who played wind instruments or performed songs outdoors at night or in the early morning, particularly during Christmas.
5.1. Night musicians and Christmas serenaders
Groups of musicians who traditionally performed music in towns at night or early morning, often during the Christmas season.
Synonyms
- serenaders
- musicians
Related Words
- carolers
- town musicians
- oboe players
- wind musicians