wait
verb
weɪt 
weɪt 
1 [intransitive, transitive] to stay where you are or delay doing something until somebody/something comes or something happensShe rang the bell and waited.The President agreed to speak to the waiting journalists.+ adverb/preposition Have you been waiting long?I've been waiting (for) twenty minutes.I'll wait outside until the meeting's over.wait for somebody/something Wait for me!wait for somebody/something to do something We're waiting for the rain to stop before we go out.wait to do something Hurry up! We're waiting to go. wait your turnYou'll just have to wait your turn (= wait until your turn comes).2 [intransitive, transitive] to hope or watch for something to happen, especially for a long timewait (for something) Leeds United had waited for success for eighteen years.This is just the opportunity I've been waiting for.wait for somebody/something to do something He's waiting for me to make a mistake. wait your chanceI waited my chance and slipped out when no one was looking.3 be waiting [intransitive] (of things) to be ready for somebody to have or usewait (for somebody) There's a letter waiting for you at home.wait to do something The hotel had a taxi waiting to collect us.4 [intransitive] to be left to be dealt with at a later time because it is not urgentI've got some calls to make but they can wait until tomorrow.I'm afraid this can't wait. It's very important.Idioms
an accident/a disaster waiting to happen
a thing or person that is very likely to cause danger or a problem in the future because of the condition it is in or the way they behave
I, they, etc. can't wait/can hardly wait
used when you are emphasizing that somebody is very excited about something or keen to do it
The children can't wait for Christmas to come.I can hardly wait to see him again.keep somebody waiting
to make somebody have to wait or be delayed, especially because you arrive late
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.wait and see
used to tell somebody that they must be patient and wait to find out about something later
We'll just have to wait and see—there's nothing we can do at the moment.a wait-and-see policy‘Where are we going?’ ‘Wait and see!’wait at table
(formal) to serve food to people, for example at a formal mealwait for it
(informal, especially British English)1 used to say that you are about to tell somebody something that is surprising or amusingThey're off on a trip, to—wait for it—the Maldives!2 used to tell somebody not to start doing something yet, but to wait until you tell themwait a minute/moment/second
1 to wait for a short timeCan you wait a second while I make a call?2 used when you have just noticed or remembered something, or had a sudden ideaWait a minute—this isn't the right key.wait on somebody hand and foot
(disapproving) to take care of somebody's needs so well that they do not have to do anything for themselvesHe seems to expect me to wait on him hand and foot.wait tables
(North American English) to work serving food to people in a restaurantwait till/until…
(informal) used to show that you are very excited about telling or showing something to somebodyWait till you see what I've found!what are we waiting for?
(informal) used to suggest that you should all start doing what you have been discussingwhat are you waiting for?
(informal) used to tell somebody to do something now rather than laterIf the car needs cleaning, what are you waiting for?(just) you wait
used to emphasize a threat, warning or promise
I'll be famous one day, just you wait!Phrasal verbs
out