waiter
UK: ˈweɪtə | US: ˈweɪtər
n. a person whose job is to serve customers at their tables in a restaurant
n. (archaic) a person who waits or attends upon others
The word "waiter" originates from the verb "wait," derived from Old North French waitier (to watch, guard), which itself traces back to Germanic waht- (to be awake, vigilant). The suffix "-er" is an English agentive suffix, indicating a person who performs the action. Originally, "waiter" referred to anyone who waited or attended to duties (e.g., a servant). By the 18th century, it specialized to denote someone serving food in establishments, reflecting societal shifts in dining culture.
The waiter brought us the menu with a polite smile.
She worked as a waiter at a high-end restaurant during college.
The waiter recommended the chef’s special dish.
He tipped the waiter generously for excellent service.
In historical dramas, a waiter might be called a "footman."