wait meaning and definition

WAIT noun

Definition of wait (noun)

1. time during which some action is awaited
   • "instant replay caused too long a delay"; "he ordered a hold in the action"
   • synonyms: delay, hold, postponement, time lag
2. the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
   • "the wait was an ordeal for him"
   • synonyms: waiting

WAIT verb

Definition of wait (verb)

1. stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
   • "I had to wait on line for an hour to get the tickets"
2. wait before acting
   • "the scientists held off announcing their results until they repeated the experiment"
   • synonyms: hold back, hold off
3. look forward to the probable occurrence of
   • "We were expecting a visit from our relatives"; "She is looking to a promotion"; "he is waiting to be drafted"
   • synonyms: await, expect, look
4. serve as a waiter or waitress in a restaurant
   • "I'm waiting on tables at Maxim's"
   • synonyms: waitress