dumbwaiter

noun

dumb·​wait·​er ˈdəm-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce dumbwaiter (audio)
ˌdəm-ˈwā-
1
: a portable serving table or stand
2
: a small elevator used for conveying food and dishes from one story of a building to another

Examples of dumbwaiter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The elevator division of the city Buildings Department later learned that the repairman was in the pit of the dumbwaiter shaft, working on the hoist cables, when the dumbwaiter cab plummeted on top of him. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 The house has two garages, a casita and a second-floor patio with a dumbwaiter. Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024 To one side is the sleek chef’s kitchen, equipped with a dumbwaiter and top-of-the-line appliances by Wolf and Miele. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 Features: Fireplaces, year-round sun room, screen porches, formal dining room, butler's pantry with working dumbwaiter, phone room, billiard room, bar area, pond. Take a look around... All photos by Homecoming Photography. Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dumbwaiter

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dumbwaiter was circa 1730

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Cite this Entry

“Dumbwaiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dumbwaiter. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dumbwaiter

noun
dumb·​wait·​er ˈdəm-ˈwāt-ər How to pronounce dumbwaiter (audio)
: a small elevator for carrying food or goods from one story to another
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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