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

U.S. investors return from their long weekend, awaiting a keynote speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In response to an AFP query, the Israeli military said to await official confirmation.

Read more on Barron's

The technocratic Palestinian government meant to govern Gaza still hasn’t been nominated, and we are still awaiting the fine print as to how Hamas will disarm.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Now the Dodgers await, with Game 1 set for Monday.

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"Close the gates and await our instructions," they said.

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.