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

At the time of the Nov. 5 election, there were 47 vacancies on the federal bench, with 17 nominees awaiting confirmation.

From Salon

This fierce competition is now as keenly awaited as the Ashes.

From BBC

During the 2024 campaign, Stephen Miller, Trump’s top immigration adviser, told The Times that money could be redirected from the military budget to build facilities to hold people awaiting deportation.

From New York Times

His son, Jason Jr., is still awaiting clearance from the Southern Section after transferring from Lynwood.

From Los Angeles Times

He has not posted a $25,000 bail as of Monday afternoon and is awaiting a court hearing Wednesday at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center, according to jail records.

From Los Angeles Times

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.