American English
/ˈweɪ.ɾɪd̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of wait
Waited is both the past form and the past participle of wait.
Shows that someone stayed in a place or remained ready until a person arrived or something happened.
Practice out loudShows that someone stayed in a place or remained ready until a person arrived or something happened.
She waited for the bus for an hour.
We have waited long enough.
Use waited for before a person or thing, as in “waited for me.”
Shows that someone delayed doing something until later or until more information was available.
He waited before signing the contract.
They have waited to make a decision.
Shows that someone served customers, especially in a restaurant or store.
She waited tables during college.
He has waited on customers for many years.
to wait before deciding what will happen
We’ll wait and see what happens.
to be very excited about something that will happen soon
I can’t wait to see you.
to ask someone to pause briefly or to show surprise
Wait a minute—this isn’t my bag.