wait on

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Serve customers in a restaurant

Why “on”? Your attention and effort are on a person. You serve them and bring what they need.

A friendly worker waited on Maya and Leo at the shopping centre cafe.
A friendly worker served Maya and Leo at the cafe.
She waits on tables.
She serves customers at restaurant tables.
A young waiter waited on us throughout the meal.
A young waiter served us throughout the meal.

Don't confuse with

wait onwait up

Wait on means serve customers in a restaurant. Wait up means stay awake until someone arrives home.

Test yourself

A friendly worker waited on Maya and Leo at the shopping centre cafe. What does it mean?

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