wait up Definition

wait
verb waited, waiting

intr
1. Said of a task, etc: to remain temporarily undealt with.

Example: That can wait
2. To be or remain in a particular place in readiness.

Thesaurus: pause, delay, stay, linger, tarry, bide one's time, cool one's heels; Antonym: leave, hurry.
Form: wait about (also)
Form: wait around
3. To postpone action for (a period of time).
4. To await (one's turn, etc).
5. colloq
To delay eating (a meal) till someone arrives.
Example: won't wait dinner
intr
6. To park one's vehicle briefly at the kerb, etc.

Example: no waiting
intr
7. To serve as a waiter or waitress.
8. dialect
To wait for someone.

noun

1. A period of waiting

Thesaurus: interval, delay, halt, hiatus, pause, rest, stay, holdup, hesitation.

Idiom: lie in wait (lay wait)

To be in hiding ready to surprise or ambush someone.

Idiom: you wait!

An expression used to warn or threaten.

Idiom: wait on

(ustral, NZ)
Be patient; hold back.
Example: Wait on, I'll come too

Etymology: 12c: from French waitier or guaitier, from German wahten to watch.

Phrasal Verb: wait for something

To delay action or remain in a certain place in expectation of, or readiness for it.

Phrasal Verb: wait on someone

To serve them with food as a waiter or waitress.To act as a servant or attendant to them.

Phrasal Verb: wait up

To slow down or wait.
Example: Wait up, I can't run that fast

Phrasal Verb: wait up for someone

To delay going to bed at night waiting for their arrival or return, or some other event.