wait on
To bring food or drinks to someone at a table, or (in American English) to wait for something.
Meanings
To serve customers in a restaurant or hotel, bringing them food, drink, or other items.
"She worked summers waiting on tables to pay for her university fees."
(American English, informal) To wait for a person, event, or result.
"We're still waiting on the lab results before we make a decision."
To attend to someone's every need, treating them as if they were royalty.
"Her family waited on her hand and foot after she came home from the hospital."
Has two distinct senses depending on dialect. The 'serve' sense is used in both British and American English. The 'wait for' sense (e.g., 'I'm waiting on the results') is primarily American English and is considered informal. British speakers may find the second sense non-standard.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "wait on" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "wait on" on Looplines