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

On Thursday, dozens of Castillo's supporters gathered outside the prison he is being held in to await the verdict, according to AFP.

Read more on BBC

Brent crude rose as traders awaited OPEC+’s meeting on Sunday and developments on Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

—Brent crude rose as traders await OPEC+’s meeting on Sunday and developments on peace talks to end the war in Ukraine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Among the hardest-hit areas in the region is southern Thailand, where flooding left residents of Hat Yai clinging to rooftops awaiting rescue by boat.

Read more on Barron's

Twin brothers who return home to the Mississippi Delta in 1932 for a fresh start, not realising an evil force awaits them.

Read more on BBC

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.