What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waiter
Example
The waiter brought us the menu and took our order. [waiter: noun]
Example
He worked as a waiter at the fancy restaurant downtown. [waiter: noun]
server
Example
The server brought us our drinks and took our order. [server: noun]
Example
I need to reboot the server to fix the connection issue. [server: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Server is more commonly used than waiter in everyday language, especially in American English. Server is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while waiter is less common and may have a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waiter and server?
Waiter is a more formal term than server, which is a more general and inclusive term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
