wait around
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To stay somewhere and do nothing while you wait — often in a boring or annoying way.
Literal meaning: To wait while being around (a place) — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To stay in a place doing nothing while waiting for something or someone, typically feeling bored or impatient.
"I waited around for two hours before the doctor finally called my name."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal
To remain available or in a place without a specific task, hoping something will happen.
"Don't wait around hoping she'll call — make a decision and move on."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Implies that the waiting is tedious or feels unproductive. Often used in negative sentences or with words like 'all day' to emphasize frustration. Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
all day forever outside hours impatiently pointlessly
Forms
Base
wait around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
waits around
he/she/it
Past simple
waited around
yesterday
Past participle
waited around
have + pp
-ing form
waiting around
continuous
Understand "wait around" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "wait around" on Looplines