waitress

word

/ˈweɪtɹəs/
WAY-trus
/wˈeɪtɹəs/
WAY-trus

Definition

A waitress is a woman whose job is to serve food and drinks to customers in a restaurant, café, or similar place. In modern English, many people also use the gender-neutral word 'server' instead.

Usage & Nuances

Common in everyday English, but it is specifically female. In many workplaces and modern contexts, 'server' is preferred because it is gender-neutral. Typical phrases: 'a restaurant waitress', 'call the waitress', 'the waitress brought the bill'. Do not use it for someone who only takes orders at a counter.

Example Sentences

My sister works as a waitress in a café.

basic

The waitress smiled and took our order.

basic

The waitress brought us water.

basic

Excuse me, the waitress said our table would be ready in ten minutes.

natural

The waitress remembered my usual order, which was a nice surprise.

natural

We had to wait a while, but the waitress was really friendly the whole time.

natural