Women who work at restaurants or cafes bringing food and drinks to customers and taking their orders.
From 'waiter' (from 'wait' meaning 'to serve') plus feminine suffix '-ess.' The job became gendered in the late 1800s as restaurants grew more common.
The word 'waitress' shows how English treats jobs differently based on gender — we say 'waiter' and 'waitress' separately, but other languages like French are now moving toward just saying 'serveur' (server) for everyone!
The -ess suffix became gendered marker; 'waitress' emerged in 19th century as service work feminized, distinct from 'waiter.' Language reinforced occupational gender segregation.
Use 'waitstaff' or 'server' for inclusive reference, or 'waiter/waitress' only when person's gender identity is relevant and known.
["server","waitstaff","service staff"]
Women pioneered professional restaurant service; the gendering of 'waitress' simultaneously invisibilized their labor organizing and wage advocacy.
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