waitlist
WAYT-list
/ˈweɪtlɪst/
A list of people waiting for a table or spot to become available if someone cancels or leaves.
Refers to both the physical or digital queue kept on busy nights and the status of waiting for an open table.
The story behind the word. A modern English compound combining 'wait' (from Old Northern French waiter, to watch) with 'list' (from Old French liste, a strip of paper). It emerged in North American commercial and restaurant usage during the early 20th century.
Word relationships
- standby list: 'Standby list' is common in airline travel, whereas 'waitlist' dominates restaurant contexts.
- guaranteed seating: Guaranteed seating ensures an immediate table without joining a queue.
Commonly confused with
- reservation list: A reservation list holds pre-booked names, whereas a waitlist holds hopeful diners waiting for open spots.
Word family
- waitlisted (adjective): Placed on a waiting list for availability.
Collocations
- join the waitlist
- add to the waitlist
- clear the waitlist
- long waitlist
Idioms & expressions
- on standby
Example sentences
- "Since the restaurant was packed, the host placed our party on the waitlist with an estimated forty-minute wait." Busy bistro
Memory hook
A LIST of people who must WAIT until a table opens up. Wait on the list to get in.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a reservation list, which represents pre-confirmed early appointments.
Fun facts
- Digital waitlists using automated SMS notifications replaced physical paper buzzers in most urban restaurants during the mid-2010s.
Related words
Also appears in
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