To formally attend to or serve someone, especially in an official or deferential capacity; also, to formally visit someone.
To officially look after or visit someone important, in a very polite and old-fashioned way.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(Formal/archaic) To serve someone in a formal or courtly capacity.
"The servants were trained to wait upon the guests with absolute discretion."
To be waited upon by a servant in livery was once the mark of a gentleman.
— General historical usage; attested in Victorian and Edwardian English literature
(Formal/archaic) To pay an official visit to someone of higher status.
"The ambassador was directed to wait upon the foreign minister at noon."
To be in attendance upon someone — 'upon' gives a sense of formality and deference.
To officially look after or visit someone important, in a very polite and old-fashioned way.
Largely archaic or literary in modern English. Occasionally found in formal or ceremonial language, historical fiction, or official documents. 'Wait on' is the modern equivalent for the serving sense. In historical use, 'wait upon' could also mean to call on someone officially.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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