Wait in line: meaning, definitions and examples
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wait in line
[ weɪt ɪn laɪn ]
everyday life
To wait in line means to stand in a queue or line, typically in order to receive a service or make a purchase. It involves being patient and waiting your turn.
Synonyms
line-up, queue, stand in line.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wait in line |
This phrase is commonly used in both American and British English and is often used in a neutral, everyday context where people are standing one after another, waiting for something.
|
| queue |
This term is more commonly used in British English and is viewed as slightly more formal or technical. It can also be used in digital contexts like 'queueing' for downloads.
|
| line-up |
This term is more often used in Canadian English and sometimes in American English. It generally has the same meaning as 'wait in line'.
|
| stand in line |
Often used interchangeably with 'wait in line' in American English, this phrase emphasizes the physical action of standing while waiting.
|
Examples of usage
- I had to wait in line for over an hour to buy concert tickets.
- They patiently waited in line at the grocery store.
Translations
Translations of the word "wait in line" in other languages:
🇵🇹 esperar na fila
🇮🇳 लाइन में इंतजार करना
🇩🇪 in der Schlange warten
🇮🇩 menunggu dalam antrean
🇺🇦 чекати в черзі
🇵🇱 czekać w kolejce
🇯🇵 列に並んで待つ
🇫🇷 attendre dans la file
🇪🇸 esperar en la fila
🇹🇷 sırada beklemek
🇰🇷 줄을 서서 기다리다
🇸🇦 الانتظار في الصف
🇨🇿 čekat ve frontě
🇸🇰 čakať v rade
🇨🇳 排队等待
🇸🇮 čakati v vrsti
🇮🇸 bíða í röð
🇰🇿 кезекте тұру
🇬🇪 რიგში დგომა
🇦🇿 növbədə gözləmək
🇲🇽 esperar en la fila
Etymology
The concept of waiting in line dates back to ancient times when people would form lines to receive food or goods. It has since become a common practice in modern society, with the development of organized lines and queues to maintain order and fairness in waiting for services or products.