Waiting

/ˈweɪtɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of staying in one place or remaining inactive until something happens.

My waiting for the appointment took longer than expected.

A period of time spent waiting.

There was a long waiting in the doctor's office.

verb

To remain in a state of rest or inaction until something expected happens.

I am waiting for the bus to arrive.

To postpone action until a later time.

She is waiting to make a decision until she has more information.

To serve (someone) by handling their needs or requests until they are attended to.

The waiter is waiting on the customers at the table.

From the Old English 'wæitan', meaning 'to watch'.

waiting in the wings

Being ready to take action when needed.

waiting for the other shoe to drop

Anticipating an inevitable problem or conclusion.

waiting on

To depend on someone or something.

wait

To remain in a state of inactivity.

waiter

A person who serves food in a restaurant.

waste

To spend time in a careless or unnecessary manner.

Hurry up and wait.

We got there early, but it was all hurry up and wait for the show to start.

On standby.

I'm on standby for a call back from the producer.