maitre d'
Definition
Noun: A head waiter or host in a restaurant, responsible for supervising other waitstaff and managing the seating of guests. The term is a shortened form of the French "maître d'hôtel," meaning "master of the house."
Usage
This noun is used to refer to the person in a formal or high-end restaurant who greets customers, manages reservations, and oversees the dining room's operation.
Examples
- We asked the maitre d' for a table by the window.
- The maitre d' expertly guided the guests to their seats.
- A good maitre d' ensures the entire dining room runs smoothly.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in its abbreviated form "maitre d'" (pronounced /ˌmeɪtər ˈdiː/ or /ˌmeɪtrə ˈdiː/), though the full French phrase "maître d'hôtel" is also correct in English contexts.
- It implies a position of authority and experience within the restaurant's front-of-house staff.
Variants and Related Words
- Maître d'hôtel (noun): The full, formal term from which "maitre d'" is derived.
- Head waiter (noun): A more common English synonym.
- Host (noun): A broader term that can be used in less formal dining establishments for the person who seats guests.
- Captain (noun): In some restaurant hierarchies, a captain may be a senior waiter who oversees a section, distinct from the maitre d' who oversees the entire room.
Synonyms
- Head waiter
- Host (in a restaurant context)
- Restaurant manager (specifically for front-of-house operations)
Antonyms
- Busboy / Busser
- Patron / Customer / Guest
Noun
-
a dining-room attendant who is in charge of the waiters and the seating of customers
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