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

The $8 billion sale was originally announced in 2024 and dragged on for over a year, awaiting FCC approval of the transfer of certain broadcast licenses between the companies.

Read more on MarketWatch

He denied the charges against him but was found guilty of five offences and sentenced to 12 months in custody, including the time he had already time in jail awaiting his trial.

Read more on BBC

Now what was once a stable position feels like a ticking time bomb, with employees who worked their way up the corporate ladder awaiting their turn for a video call announcing their last day.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It is unacceptable that a fake recovery was staged, when so much depends on this agreement being upheld and when so many families are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones."

Read more on BBC

All of America should anxiously await the decision of the universities yet to respond to the compact.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.