wait
verb (used without object)
to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, oruntil ).
waited
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past participleof wait.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof wait.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
waitverb (used without object)to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, oruntil ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For a month, they had waited and worried about the fate of their beloved Jack Russell terrier, Luna, who disappeared with fate uncertain among the predators and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
His three siblings all waited until college to figure out what they wanted to do.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
“He waited until the last moment to take any action, and the court should not reward that behavior,” the filing stated, adding that Seaver “already has lawyers who appear to be anxious to represent him.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 12, 2026
In south Brooklyn, shoppers hoping to get a slice of the city's transit service waited for hours to trawl through an open-air market organized by city authorities.
From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026
At least he waited for me to be safe before he left.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
