The phrasal verb "wait on" is used primarily in informal English, though it can appear in more formal contexts, particularly in service-oriented or hospitality industries. In informal usage, "wait on" is synonymous with "waiting for someone or something to happen," and is often used conversationally to denote anticipation, as in "I’m waiting on her to finish her work." In the context of serving, it describes the act of attending to someone, as in a waiter "waiting on tables" or attending to customers' needs. Additionally, in British English, this verb sometimes appears in the context of being subservient or deferring to someone, though this is less common in American English. When using this phrasal verb, it is important to distinguish its usage context to ensure proper understanding, as its meaning can change significantly depending on the setting.
B1
Intermediate
1. To serve food or drinks to someone, typically in a restaurant.
The waiter will wait on you shortly, please be patient.
She has been waiting on tables during her summer break to earn some extra money.
2. To await someone's decision or action before proceeding.
We are waiting on the manager's approval before we can start the project.
They are waiting on the weather to clear up before continuing their journey.