Definition of “Wait”

Wait is a verb that means to remain inactive or in a state of repose until something expected happens, or to stay in a place until an expected event occurs or until someone arrives. It can also be a noun referring to the act or period of waiting.

Prepositions Used with “Wait”

• Before: “for” (used to indicate the person, thing, or event being waited for), “in” (used to indicate the place where someone is waiting)
• After: “wait on” (used to indicate serving someone, especially in a restaurant or customer service context), “wait around” (used to indicate waiting without doing much), “wait up” (used to indicate staying awake or waiting longer than usual)

Collocations with “Wait”

• Wait for: To stay in place or in readiness for something to happen or for someone to arrive.
  • Example: “She had to wait for the bus for over an hour.”
• Wait in line: To stand in a queue, typically for services or goods.
  • Example: “We had to wait in line for concert tickets.”
• Wait on: To serve someone, especially in a restaurant.
  • Example: “The waiter waited on us promptly.”
• Wait and see: To wait to discover what will happen, often implying patience and a degree of uncertainty.
  • Example: “We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.”
• Wait around: To wait without doing much or without a specific purpose.
  • Example: “He spent the afternoon waiting around for the delivery.”
• Wait up: To stay awake or delay going to bed to wait for someone.
  • Example: “Don’t wait up for me; I’ll be home late.”
• Wait one’s turn: To wait until it is your turn to do something, often in a line or queue.
  • Example: “Please wait your turn to speak.”
• Wait patiently: To wait without complaining or showing impatience.
  • Example: “She waited patiently for her name to be called.”
• Wait list: A list of people waiting for something, such as a service or item that is not immediately available.
  • Example: “He was placed on the wait list for the new phone.”
• Wait out: To wait until something is over or a situation changes.
  • Example: “They decided to wait out the storm in a nearby café.”

Example Sentences

1. He had to wait for the traffic light to change.
2. She waited in line for her coffee.
3. We need to wait for the right moment to ask.
4. The children waited eagerly for the show to start.
5. He waited patiently for the results.
6. She waited in the car while he ran into the store.
7. They had to wait for the weather to clear up.
8. The guests waited in the lobby for the event to begin.
9. We waited until everyone was seated before starting.
10. He waited in the waiting room for his appointment.
11. She had to wait on hold for customer service.
12. The waiter waited on the table with a smile.
13. They waited anxiously for the announcement.
14. He waited in line for hours to get tickets.
15. She waited for her friend to arrive before ordering.
16. We had to wait in traffic for over an hour.
17. He decided to wait and see what would happen.
18. She waited for the phone call all day.
19. He waited outside the office for his interview.
20. She waited up for her son to come home.
21. The dog waited by the door for his owner.
22. They waited in line for the roller coaster.
23. He waited for his name to be called.
24. She waited around for him to finish his work.
25. The bus driver waited for the passengers to board.
26. He waited for the bus in the rain.
27. She waited on her customers at the café.
28. They waited for the elevator to arrive.
29. He waited for the right moment to speak.
30. She waited on the curb for her ride.
31. They waited for the plane to take off.
32. He waited in the lobby for his meeting.
33. She waited for her food to arrive.
34. They waited for the fireworks to start.
35. He waited on the porch for the mail.
36. She waited for her favorite show to start.
37. They waited for the sun to set.
38. He waited for the water to boil.
39. She waited for the store to open.
40. They waited for the movie to begin.
41. He waited for the storm to pass.
42. She waited for her turn to speak.
43. They waited for the train at the station.
44. He waited for his turn at the counter.
45. She waited for the opportunity to arise.
46. They waited for the delivery to arrive.
47. He waited for the signal to start.
48. She waited for the results of the test.
49. They waited for the parade to pass by.
50. He waited for the call with anticipation.

4o