<p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, or until): to wait for the bus to arrive.</li><li>(of things) to be available or in readiness: A letter is waiting for you.</li><li>to remain neglected for a time: a matter that can wait.</li><li>to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed: We waited a week and then bought the house. Your vacation will have to wait until next month.</li><li>to look forward to eagerly: I'm just waiting for the day somebody knocks him down.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to continue in expectation of; await: I sat nervously on the bench, waiting my turn to audition.</li><li>to postpone or delay in expectation: Don't wait supper for me.</li><li>(of things) to be in readiness for; be reserved for; await: Glory waits thee.</li><li>to attend upon or escort, especially as a sign of respect.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an act or instance of waiting or awaiting; delay; halt: a wait at the border.</li><li>a period or interval of waiting: There will be a long wait between trains.</li><li>Theater: the time between two acts, scenes, or the like.</li><li>British: waits, (formerly) a band of musicians employed by a city or town to play music in parades, for official functions, etc.</li><li>a street musician, especially a singer.</li><li>one of a band of carolers.</li><li>a piece sung by carolers, especially a Christmas carol.</li><li>Obsolete: a watchman.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to postpone going to bed to await someone's arrival.</li><li>Informal: to halt and wait for another to join one, as in running or walking: Wait up, I can't walk so fast.</li><li>to perform the duties of an attendant or servant for.</li><li>to supply the wants of a person, as serving a meal or serving a customer in a store.</li><li>to call upon or visit (a person, especially a superior): to wait on Her Majesty at the palace.</li><li>Falconry: (of a hawk) to soar over ground until prey appears.</li><li>Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.: to wait for (a person); await. Also wait upon.</li><li>to await (an event).</li></ul>