wait

To stay somewhere or let time pass until someone arrives or something happens.

• Please wait here.
• I waited for Anna outside the shop.
• How long have you been waiting?

How to use it: wait for someone/something (We waited for the bus.); wait until… (Wait until the light turns green.); wait to do something (They waited to hear the result.)

Common phrases: wait for someone, wait a minute, wait outside, wait patiently

To take customers' orders and bring them food and drinks in a restaurant.

• He waits tables at weekends.
• I waited on a large family last night.
• She earned good tips waiting tables.

How to use it: wait on someone (A friendly server waited on us.); wait tables (She waits tables at a small cafe.)

Similar words: serve

Common phrases: wait tables, wait on someone, wait at tables

A period of time before someone arrives or something happens.

• There was a long wait.
• After a short wait, the doctor called me in.
• Was the meal worth the wait?

How to use it: a wait for someone/something (We faced a long wait for the next train.)

Similar words: delay

Common phrases: long wait, short wait, wait for something

A hidden position taken to surprise or attack someone when they come near.

• The hunters lay in wait.
• A cat was lying in wait for a mouse.
• Armed men lay in wait beside the narrow road.

How to use it: lie in wait for someone/something (The soldiers lay in wait for the enemy patrol.)

Similar words: ambush

Common phrases: lie in wait, in wait for someone

Used to tell someone to pause so you can check, explain, or understand something.

• Wait! What did you say?
• Wait a minute! I thought we were leaving tomorrow.
• Wait, do you mean you already know her?

Similar words: hold on, hang on

Common phrases: wait a minute, wait a second, wait just a moment