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Waiter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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waiter

[หˆweษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

restaurant service

A person who waits on tables in a restaurant, bringing food and drinks to customers and taking orders.

Synonyms

server, server, waitress.

Examples of usage

  • The waiter brought us the menu and took our drink orders.
  • The waiter was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who waits for something to happen or for an opportunity.

Synonyms

anticipant, expectant, hopeful.

Examples of usage

  • He's just a waiter, waiting for his big break in Hollywood.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A mechanism that waits for a certain event to occur.

Synonyms

listener, monitor.

Examples of usage

  • The program uses a waiter to listen for incoming data packets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, waiters are often seen as the face of the dining experience, influencing customer satisfaction.
  • Some countries have tipping traditions that dramatically affect waiters' incomes, while in others, service charges are included.
  • In French cuisine, the role of a waiter is elevated to an art form, with specialized training in fine dining etiquette.

Pop Culture

  • Waiters have been the central characters in various movies and TV shows, often highlighting the humor or drama of restaurant life.
  • The popular musical 'Waitress' portrays a waiter's experiences and emotions, reflecting personal growth and relationships.

History

  • In ancient Rome, waiters were often slaves or servants, a role that evolved considerably over the centuries.
  • As dining establishments became more formal in the 19th century, the profession of waitstaff began to be recognized as a skilled trade.

Psychology

  • Studies show that waiters' attitudes and personality can significantly influence diners' perceptions and overall experiences.
  • Researchers have found that attentive service can enhance a dinerโ€™s mood and elevate the perceived quality of the meal.

Origin of 'waiter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'waiter' comes from the Latin word 'waitare', meaning 'to watch or observe'โ€”reflecting their role in observing customersโ€™ needs.
  • In Old French, 'to wait' was 'guaiter', which evolved into the modern English term for someone who serves.

The word 'waiter' originated from the verb 'wait', meaning to stay in one place for a period of time. The term 'waiter' has been used since the 14th century to refer to someone who waits on or serves others. Over time, it has evolved to specifically refer to a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant.

See also: await, wait, waiting, waitress, waitstaff.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,135, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.