await

[uh-weyt]

verb (used with object)

1. to wait for; expect; look for.

   He is still awaiting an answer.

2. to be in store for; be imminent.

   A pleasant surprise awaits her in today's mail.

3. Obsolete.,  to lie in wait for.

verb (used without object)

1. to wait, as in expectation.

await

/ əˈweɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to wait for; expect

2. (tr) to be in store for

3. (intr) to wait, esp with expectation

4. obsolete,  (tr) to wait for in order to ambush

Other Word Forms

• awaiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of await¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English awaiten, from Old North French awaitier (Old French aguaitier ), equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + waitier wait

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, markets will await any news when the government could be reopened.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is uncertain what life now awaits Andrew.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since then, she’s completed her sophomore album and is eagerly awaiting its release.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bay Path University, based in Longmeadow, Mass., acquired Cambridge College in 2024 and is awaiting federal approval to combine the two institutions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We await with extreme calm the Court of Auditors' findings, to which we are confident we can respond point by point, because we have complied with the requirements," Salvini told reporters.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• anticipate 
• attend 
• count on 
• stay 

When To Use

What are other ways to say await?

To await something is to wait for it or look for it expectantly. How is await different from anticipate, hope, and expect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.