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 Words From

• a·waiter 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

Most of the Tamils have been awaiting final decisions on claims for international protection - which the United Nations says is akin to refugee status - or appealing against rejections.

From BBC

Prosecutors are awaiting more information from the coroner’s office on how Thyri died, according to a source familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to discuss the case publicly.

From Los Angeles Times

Hunter Biden was awaiting sentencing later this month in two federal cases.

From BBC

But more tests await Newsom and Democrats on immigration and other issues after Trump is inaugurated.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was not expected based on previous estimates of its size, which means there are likely many surprises awaiting us in the Uranus system,” Strong told Salon.

From Salon

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.