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Waitress vs. Server: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A waitress is a female who serves food and drinks at tables, while a server is a gender-neutral term for someone who performs the same role.
Waitress vs. Server

Key Differences

'Waitress' specifically refers to a female serving food and drinks in a restaurant. 'Server' is a gender-neutral term, applicable to any person in that role.
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Nov 28, 2023
The term 'waitress' has become less common, with 'server' preferred for its gender neutrality. 'Server' is used widely in the industry to promote inclusivity.
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Nov 28, 2023
Historically, 'waitress' was commonly used when referring to women in this occupation. 'Server' represents a shift towards more inclusive language in the hospitality industry.
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'Waitress' may be seen as outdated or gender-specific. 'Server' is seen as more contemporary and professional.
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The evolution from 'waitress' to 'server' reflects broader changes in language towards gender neutrality and equality.
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Comparison Chart

Gender Connotation

Female
Gender-neutral
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Modern Usage

Less common, seen as gender-specific
Widely used, gender-inclusive
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Historical Usage

Traditionally used for women in the role
Emerged for inclusivity
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Public Perception

Can be perceived as outdated
Seen as contemporary and professional
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Language Trend

Part of historical gendered language
Reflects move towards gender-neutral language
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Waitress and Server Definitions

Waitress

A woman who serves food and drinks in a restaurant.
The waitress expertly balanced several plates at once.
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Nov 28, 2023

Server

Someone in a dining establishment handling customer service.
Our server was quick to address our request for extra napkins.
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Nov 28, 2023

Waitress

A woman who takes and delivers food and drink orders.
The efficient waitress quickly took our order.
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Server

A person who serves food and drinks at tables.
The server explained the day’s specials in detail.
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Waitress

A woman who handles customer service in dining establishments.
As a waitress, she always greeted customers with a smile.
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Server

An individual ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Our server made excellent recommendations, enhancing our dining experience.
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Waitress

A female attendant responsible for guest dining experience.
The waitress refilled our water glasses throughout the meal.
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Server

A gender-neutral term for someone working in hospitality.
The server at our table was very knowledgeable about wine pairings.
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Waitress

A female professional in the hospitality industry.
The waitress provided excellent recommendations from the menu.
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Server

A person responsible for taking and delivering orders in a restaurant.
The server was busy managing several tables at once.
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Waitress

A woman who serves at a table, as in a restaurant. See Usage Notes at -ess, waiter.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

One who serves food and drink. See Usage Note at waiter.
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Oct 19, 2023

Waitress

A female attendant who serves customers in a restaurant, café, or similar.
A waitress in a cocktail bar.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

Something, such as a tray, that is used in serving food and drink.
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Waitress

(stative) To work as a waitress.
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Server

An altar server.
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Waitress

A female waiter or attendant; a waiting maid or waiting woman.
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Server

(Law) One who serves a legal process, such as a summons or court order.
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Waitress

A woman waiter
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Server

(Sports) The player who serves, as in court games.
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Server

A file server.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

A computer that processes requests for HTML and other documents that are components of webpages.
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Server

(computing) A program that provides services to other programs or devices, either in the same computer or over a computer network.
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Server

(computing) A computer dedicated to running such programs.
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Server

One who serves.
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Server

A waitress or waiter.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

The player who serves the ball.
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Server

(Christianity) A priest's attendant at the celebration of the Eucharist.
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Server

A tray for dishes.
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Server

A spoon for serving food.
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Server

One who serves.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

A tray for dishes; a salver.
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Oct 19, 2023

Server

A person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
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Server

(court games) the player who serves to start a point
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Server

(computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network
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Server

Utensil used in serving food or drink
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a server?

A server is a gender-neutral term for someone who serves in a dining establishment.
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Nov 28, 2023

Are the duties of a waitress and a server different?

No, their duties are essentially the same.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023

What is a waitress?

A waitress is a female who serves food and drinks at a restaurant.
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Nov 28, 2023

Why is 'server' preferred over 'waitress' today?

'Server' is preferred due to its gender neutrality.
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What skills does a waitress need?

A waitress needs customer service, multitasking, and communication skills.
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Is being a server a professional job?

Yes, being a server is a professional role in the hospitality industry.
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Do waitresses need special training?

Waitresses often receive on-the-job training, though formal training can be beneficial.
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Can a server be female?

Yes, 'server' is a gender-neutral term and can refer to any gender.
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Do waitresses only work in formal settings?

Waitresses can work in a variety of settings, from casual to formal.
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Is the term waitress still commonly used?

It's less common now, with 'server' being the preferred term for inclusivity.
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Can a man be called a waitress?

No, 'waitress' specifically refers to a female in this role.
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What skills does a server need?

customer service, multitasking, and communication.
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What's the difference in attire for a waitress and a server?

There is no inherent difference; it depends on the establishment's dress code.
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Do servers only work with food?

Servers primarily work with food and drinks but may have other responsibilities.
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What is the workplace of a waitress?

A waitress works in restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments.
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Can a server work in a bar?

Yes, servers can work in bars, restaurants, and other similar venues.
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Nov 28, 2023

Can servers provide food recommendations?

Yes, servers often provide recommendations and information about menu items.
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Is 'server' a modern term?

Yes, 'server' is a more modern and inclusive term.
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Do waitresses receive tips?

Yes, waitresses often receive tips as part of their compensation.
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Are there different types of servers?

Yes, there are various types, including those specializing in fine dining or casual service.
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Nov 28, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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