foyer

noun foy·er \ ˈfȯi(-ə)r , ˈfȯi-ˌ(y)ā also ˈfwä-ˌyā \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Examples: foyer in a Sentence

Definition of foyer

: an anteroom or lobby especially of a theater; also : an entrance hallway : vestibule

See foyer defined for English-language learners

See foyer defined for kids

Examples of foyer in a Sentence

theatergoers crowded the foyer during the play's intermission
leave your muddy boots in the foyer and come into the house

Recent Examples of foyer from the Web

The elongated winged figure holding a sword was dedicated in the foyer of the Memorial Building on Nov. 11, 1928, ten years after the World War I Armistice.

— kimberly fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Hinsdale American Legion restoring statue with new medallion, nearly 90 years after original was stolen," 10 July 2018
Double mahogany doors open into the double-height foyer with a polished limestone floor and a grand turning staircase.

— lisa zapalac, Houston Chronicle, "Tanglewood home offers amenities throughout," 20 May 2018
From the foyer, the house stretches back in one long sweep with no walls.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "House Envy: Wabeek Lake home takes contemporary style to new heights," 21 Jan. 2018
The only black focal piece on the first floor is the barn door that opens to the study off the foyer.

— emma austin, The Courier-Journal, "This modern Louisville-area farmhouse was designed with family in mind," 12 July 2018
Inside, the curved stairway designed by Charles A. Platt swirls giddily out into the foyer before drawing the eyes up, up, up in a spiral to the glowing green Tiffany skylight.

— mary carole mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "The Walters' renovated Mount Vernon mansion is a work of art in itself," 15 June 2018
The main room, pictured above, is by Aucapina, and the entry foyer is by CQ Design Studio.

— wendy goodman, The Cut, "Anatomy of a Show House," 10 May 2018
Three arched doorways mark the home's entrance, which leads into a two-story foyer with dual staircases.

— jack flemming, latimes.com, "Former Golden State Warrior Monta Ellis looks to deal his French Country manor," 1 Apr. 2018
Two days before Zahau’s death, the 32-year-old surgical technician was the only adult at the mansion when her boyfriend’s son, 6-year-old Max Shacknai, fell from the second floor into the foyer.

— lyndsay winkley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Messages on Rebecca Zahau's phone paint picture of troubled woman, investigators say," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foyer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of foyer

French, literally, fireplace, from Vulgar Latin *focarium, from Latin focus hearth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1833

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

foyer Synonyms

Synonyms

entranceway, entry, entryway, hall, hallway, lobby, vestibule;

door, doorway, entrance, portal, threshold;

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

FOYER Defined for English Language Learners

foyer

noun

Definition of foyer for English Language Learners

: an open area in a public building (such as a hotel or theater) near the entrance : a lobby or entrance hall
: an open area near the entrance in someone's home