maître d'

[ mey-ter dee, mey-truh- ]

, plural maî·tre d's.

1. a headwaiter.
2. a steward or butler.
3. the owner or manager of a hotel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of maître d'¹

First recorded in 1815–25; shortening of maître d'hôtel

Example Sentences

Gingrich is about as much a Washington "outsider" as the maitre d' at Cafe Milano.

From The Daily Beast

At least, a little time after his return he sent his maitre d' hotel, to settle my account, and give me some money.

From Project Gutenberg

The pained features of the maitre d' reflected exquisite pain as he ushered them into the sunlight.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flight attendant
• hostess
• stewardess
• waiter
• waitress