A waiting list is the queue of people hoping for a table. Put me on the waiting list, a long waiting list.
It exists because bookings cancel, and a well-run one fills those gaps within minutes. The same phrase is used for hospitals and schools, where the waiting is much longer.
1nounwaiting listThe queue of people hoping for a table.
“They were fourth on the waiting list and ate at nine.”
waiting list is a list.
Practised in Restaurant & Cafe, Mental Health & Wellbeing