waiter
waiter
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "waiter" is /ˈweɪ.tər/.
/ˈweɪ/
/tər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: waiter (singular), waiters (plural)
Feminine Noun: waitress (singular), waitresses (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A man who serves food and drink to customers in a restaurant, hotel, or other dining establishment.
Synonyms: server, steward, attendant, garcon (French), serviette (dated)
Antonyms: customer, diner, guest, chef (as a contrasting role in a restaurant)
Definition 2: (Archaic) A person who waits on another; an attendant or servant.
Synonyms: attendant, servant, valet (male personal attendant), footman, page
Antonyms: master, employer, mistress, lord
Definition 3: (Figurative, often informal) Something that is awaiting or is in store for someone, often something undesirable. (Typically in phrases like "the Grim Waiter")
Synonyms: fate, destiny, inevitable outcome, doom, impending event
Antonyms: escape, reprieve, avoidance, unexpected fortune
Examples of Use
Books:
"The waiter gracefully glided between tables, balancing a tray laden with steaming dishes." (Fictional example from a contemporary novel or restaurant-themed story)
"The book described the rigorous training a French 'garçon' (waiter) underwent to master the art of tableside service." (From a non-fiction book on hospitality or culinary history)
"He waited patiently for the waiter to take his order, observing the bustling scene of the café." (Fictional example from a character-driven novel)
Newspapers:
"Restaurants in downtown Nairobi are struggling to find experienced waiters amidst the booming hospitality sector." (Business Daily Africa)
"A customer left a record-breaking tip for a waiter at a local hotel, praising his exceptional service." (The Standard)
"The union for hospitality workers is advocating for better pay and working conditions for waiters and other service staff." (Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"How to be a great waiter: Essential tips for providing excellent customer service." (An article on a hospitality industry blog, e.g., Restaurant Business Online)
"Our review of the new fine-dining restaurant praised the attentive waiters and exquisite menu." (A food blog or restaurant review site, e.g., Eater.com)
"A viral video shows a singing waiter surprising restaurant patrons with an impromptu performance." (A human interest story on a news website, e.g., Good News Network)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Life is a restaurant, and I'm a waiter." (From a film with a philosophical character, e.g., My Dinner with Andre)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must serve a five-course meal, acting as the head waiter for a table of celebrity judges." (Instructions on a cooking or hospitality reality show, e.g., MasterChef)
Song Lyrics: "Oh, waiter, there's a tear in my beer." (Often a country song lyric, implying sadness or bad luck)
Video Games: "The player character can work as a waiter in the local diner to earn money and unlock new quests." (In-game activity in a simulation or RPG, e.g., The Sims)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we interview a former waiter about the wildest customer requests he ever received." (A podcast sharing anecdotal stories, e.g., This American Life)
General Public Discourse:
"Excuse me, waiter, could we get the bill please?" (A common phrase in a restaurant)
"The waiter was very polite and attentive tonight." (Praising service)
"My cousin is working as a waiter to save money for university." (A common statement about temporary employment)
"He just told the waiter to bring another round of drinks." (A casual observation)
"Do you prefer to tip your waiter in cash or by card?" (A common question about etiquette)
"The waiter will be with you shortly." (A common phrase from a host/hostess)
"I want to complain about the rude waiter we had." (A common complaint)
"The waiter took our order, and then disappeared." (Describing a situation in a restaurant)
"Being a waiter is harder than it looks." (A common realization about the job)
"He's a good waiter, always remembers our usual order." (A compliment for consistent service)
10 Quotes Using Waiter
"Oh, waiter, there's a tear in my beer." (Common country song lyric theme, widely known)
"Life is a restaurant, and I'm a waiter." (From a film with a philosophical character, often quoted as an analogy for one's role in life)
"The customer is always right, even when he's wrong." (Often attributed to Harry Gordon Selfridge, related to the service industry including waiters) - This implies the waiter's duty to the customer.
"My old waiter used to say, 'Never trust a thin cook.'" (Lesser-known, but a common humorous saying in culinary circles)
"A good waiter remembers what you like, not just what you ordered." (Original quote, emphasizing quality service)
"He was a silent observer, like a waiter at a grand banquet." (Lesser-known, often found in literature describing a detached character)
"Excuse me, waiter, could we get the bill, please?" (Common phrase used in restaurants, highly recognizable)
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." (Peter Drucker) - This relates to the attentiveness of a good listener or a good waiter.
"You're a disgrace to your country, your family, and your waiter." (Humorous line, often adapted from a generic insult)
"The Grim Waiter approaches, bringing the final bill." (Original quote, metaphorical for death)
Etymology
The word "waiter" comes from the verb "wait," with the common English suffix "-er" that usually means "a person who does something."
So, let's look at the origin of "wait":
The verb "wait" comes from the Old French verb waitier or gaitier, which meant "to watch," "to look out," or "to be on guard."
When "waiter" first appeared in English, in the early 15th century (around 1400), its initial meaning was "a watchman" or "a guard." This directly reflected the original meaning of the verb "to wait" (to be watchful).
However, by the late 17th century (around 1660s), as public eating establishments became more common, the meaning shifted to its primary modern sense: "a person who attends to or serves customers in a dining establishment." This evolved from the idea of someone who "waits on" or "attends to" another's needs. The feminine form "waitress" developed later.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Waiter
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "waiter":
Head waiter: The senior waiter in charge of other waiters in a restaurant.
Station waiter: A waiter responsible for a specific section of tables in a restaurant.
Lead waiter: Similar to a head waiter, overseeing a section or group.
The singing waiter: A waiter who performs songs for customers, usually as entertainment.
Guest waiter: A waiter serving at a special event or temporarily in a different establishment.
The Grim Waiter: (Figurative) A personification of death or inevitable doom, bringing the "final bill."
A diligent server: A person who provides excellent service in a restaurant. (Synonym for a good "waiter").
Table attendant: A formal term for a person serving at a table. (Synonym for "waiter").
To be in waiting: (Archaic) To be serving as an attendant. (Relates to the old meaning of "waiter").
Silver service: A formal style of serving food, often performed by skilled waiters.
To call for the attendant: To request assistance from a server. (Synonym for calling the "waiter").
A seasoned server: An experienced waiter. (Synonym).
A master of service: Someone highly skilled in providing customer service. (Synonym for a top "waiter").
The service staff: The collective group of people providing service in a restaurant or hotel. (Includes "waiters").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of waiter from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
