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Glite Dictionary
counterman

counterman

3 7.2
A person who serves customers at a counter, for example in a diner
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌmæn/
translation icon : dependiente
  • When I entered the diner, the counterman greeted me with a smile and took my order.
  • counterman said
  • counterman brought

Examples

  • "Whaddya want?" the counterman said.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • While I was talking, the counterman brought our drinks.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • "You were his sponsor, I'll bet," I said when the counterman had gone back to his grill.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • "Mister," said the counterman, in heavy Russian-accented English.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • The frame is empty for a few seconds until the counterman leans in over the register.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • We asked what chicken feet tasted like; the counterman said, "Like really, really fatty bacon."

    Blog text (14)

  • "Sure you don't want a fondue?" the counterman said.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The counterman at Skouros' comped him a piece of pie.

    Hot to Trot (1988)

  • When the counterman brought him a regular-sized sandwich, he showed his credentials and said, "FBI!"

    Fiction book (2000)

  • It was actually a little hamburger joint, and the counterman didn't look at all pleased when we only ordered coffee.

    Fiction book (1991)

Synonyms

server
vscounterman
60 2.0

A person who brings food and drinks to customers at their table

works instead serving customers from a front service spot, not tables
disher
vscounterman
4 9.5

A person who serves food or drinks quickly and neatly

is more about standing and serving at a front service spot in diners
counterperson
vscounterman
4.6

A person who serves customers from behind a counter in a diner or shop

is the male-specific term for that same front service role
counterwoman
vscounterman
6.4

A woman who serves customers at a counter, for example in a diner

is the male form used for the same front service job
restaurant attendant
vscounterman
2.5

A person who serves guests and shows them to their table in a restaurant

works instead serving customers from a front service spot in casual eateries
dining-room attendant
vscounterman
3.5

A person who serves food and helps guests in a dining room

focuses on serving at a front service spot rather than at guests' tables

Surface Forms

counterman singular
countermen plural

Morphology

counterman = counter + man (transparent) = counter + man

Clear compound of 'counter' + 'man' meaning a person who works at or serves customers from a counter, which is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word counterman comes from counter ('table') and man ('person'). A counter is the long 'serving table' in a shop or diner, so a counterman is the person who works behind that table serving customers.