in waiting

Idioms  

1. In attendance, especially on a royal personage. For example, The prelates who were in waiting asked him to take the last rites. This usage has become less common with the diminution of royalty and royal courts but still survives. [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in waiting

If no one sparks a contest, then Burnham will be crowned Labour leader -- and prime minister in waiting -- at a special conference on July 17.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

It led to a confusing end to the race - and a disappointing one for some, because a dramatic climax was in waiting.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

Until earlier this month, the 56-year-old wasn’t even a member of parliament, let alone the prime minister in waiting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

It is spoken in hospital corridors and courtrooms, in waiting rooms and at kitchen tables, by those who keep pressing, keep trying, keep hoping.

From Slate ● Mar. 29, 2026

At least we no longer live in waiting.

From "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

Related Words

• delayed
• negotiated
• postponed