to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often fol. by for, till, or until )

to wait for the bus to arrive.

(of things) to be available or in readiness

A letter is waiting for you.

to remain neglected for a time

a matter that can wait.

to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed

We waited a week and then bought the house. Your vacation will have to wait until next month.

to look forward to eagerly

I'm just waiting for the day somebody knocks him down.

to continue as one is in expectation of; await

to wait one's turn at a telephone booth.

to postpone or delay in expectation

Don't wait supper for me.

Archaic . (of things) to be in readiness for; be reserved for; await

Glory waits thee.

Archaic . to attend upon or escort, esp. as a sign of respect.

an act or instance of waiting or awaiting; delay; halt

a wait at the border.

a period or interval of waiting

There will be a long wait between trains.

Theater .

the time between two acts, scenes, or the like.

stage wait.

British .

waits, (formerly) a band of musicians employed by a city or town to play music in parades, for official functions, etc.

a street musician, esp. a singer.

one of a band of carolers.

a piece sung by carolers, esp. a Christmas carol.

Obsolete . a watchman. ?

wait on,

to perform the duties of an attendant or servant for.

to supply the wants of a person, as serving a meal or serving a customer in a store.

to call upon or visit (a person, esp. a superior)

to wait on Her Majesty at the palace.

Falconry . (of a hawk) to soar over ground until prey appears.

Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. to wait for (a person); await.

Also, wait upon. to await (an event).

wait up,

to postpone going to bed to await someone's arrival.

Informal . to halt and wait for another to join one, as in running or walking

Wait up, I can't walk so fast.

lie in wait

to wait in ambush

The army lay in wait in the forest.

wait table. table ( def. 26 ) .

noun

act , continuation , doing

verb

carry out , do , forge , forward , go , go ahead

noun

down , downtime * , halt , hold * , hold-up , interim , interval , on hold , rest , stay , time wasted , waiting

verb

abide , anticipate , await , bide , bide one’s time , cool it , dally , delay , expect , fill time , foresee , hang * , hang around * , hang onto your hat , hang out , hold back , hold everything , hold on , hold the phone , hole up * , keep shirt on , lie in wait , lie low , linger , look for , look forward to , mark time * , put on hold , remain , save it , sit tight * , sit up for , stall , stand by , stay , stay up for , stick around * , sweat it , tarry , watch , bargain for , count on , depend on , adjourn , hold off , hold up , postpone , remit , shelve , suspend , table , waive , (colloq.) delay , ambush , attend , cater , court , defer , halt , hesitate , interim , loiter , pause , procrastinate , rest , serve , stop , tend

phrasal verb

attend , do for , minister to