Waiter

Definition

Waiter refers to a person employed in a restaurant or similar establishment to serve food and beverages to customers at their tables.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈweɪ.tɚ/
• Respelling: WAY-ter

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈweɪ.tə/
• Respelling: WAY-tuh

Etymology

The word "waiter" originates from the Middle English "waiten," meaning "to watch" or "to attend," derived from Old French "waitier" and further from Frankish "*wahtōn," meaning "to watch." The term evolved in the 15th century to describe someone who serves food or drinks.

Derivatives

• Waitress (noun)
• Waiting (noun/verb)
• Headwaiter (noun)
• Waitstaff (noun)
• Waitering (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Server
• Attendant
• Steward

Antonyms

• Customer
• Patron
• None

Usage

The noun "waiter" is used to describe someone serving customers in a dining setting, as in "The waiter took their orders promptly." It is also used more broadly for someone attending to others in service roles.

Related Terms

• Server: A gender-neutral term for someone serving food or drinks.
• Butler: A domestic worker serving in a household.
• Host: A person who welcomes guests or customers.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person serving food and drinks in a restaurant: Refers to someone employed to attend to guests.
  • Example: "The waiter recommended the chef's special."
• Someone who waits or attends to a task: Refers to a broader usage of someone performing a service.
  • Example: "As a waiter, he ensured all orders were delivered on time."