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Search results for 'wait':

wait verb (waited, waiting) 1 intrans said of a task, etc: to remain temporarily undealt with • That can wait. 2 (also wait about or around) to be or remain in a particular place in readiness. 3 to postpone action for (a period of time). 4 to await (one's turn, etc). 5 colloq to delay eating (a meal) till someone arrives • won't wait dinner. 6 intrans to park one's vehicle briefly at the kerb, etc • no waiting. 7 intrans to serve as a waiter or waitress. 8 dialect to wait for someone. lie in wait or lay wait to be in hiding ready to surprise or ambush someone. you wait! an expression used to warn or threaten. wait on Austral, NZ be patient; hold back • Wait on, I'll come too.
ETYMOLOGY: 12c: from French waitier or guaitier, from German wahten to watch.

wait for something to delay action or remain in a certain place in expectation of, or readiness for it.

wait on someone 1 to serve them with food as a waiter or waitress. 2 to act as a servant or attendant to them.

wait up US to slow down or wait • Wait up, I can't run that fast.

wait up for someone to delay going to bed at night waiting for their arrival or return, or some other event.