foyer

play

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

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

An old-fashioned sewing machine, proudly displayed in the foyer, was used by her grandmother.

— mary colurso, AL.com, "Cool Spaces: Century-old farmhouse gleams after loving family restoration," 9 Aug. 2017
The house features gallery halls that can seat up to 100 guests for private concerts, a six-car garage, an indoor pool surrounded by white arches and a double-height foyer lined with paintings.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "Zillow stirs up internet backlash with demands on McMansion Hell blog," 1 July 2017
The foyer is elegant — an oval room with an oval-domed ceiling and oak wainscot that’s chest-high.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "Northville manor house features many Tudor-like touches," 1 July 2017
In the foyer, a large mirror with a mother of pearl frame reflects light onto silver candleholders propped up on a small distressed wooden box.

— madeleine winer, The Courier-Journal, "Nautical flair is all in the details at Fern Creek home," 29 June 2017
Built in 2006, the Mediterranean-style house has 19 rooms that include a grand foyer, a great room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, a library, five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

— neal j. leitereg, sacbee.com, "Warriors’ Steph Curry puts Walnut Creek home back in play at $3.2 million," 27 June 2017
Upon arrival, the royal couple stood in the foyer area of the arena, pausing in silence as they were shown the exact spot where the suicide bomb was detonated.

— simon perry, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Charles and Camilla Stand in Exact Spot Where Suicide Bomb Was Detonated at Manchester Arena," 26 June 2017
This arrangement is sure to make an impression at dinner parties or in your foyer.

— rachel swalin, ELLE Decor, "How To Arrange Flowers For The Most Stunning Homemade Bouquets," 21 June 2017
The main entrance opens to a foyer on the ground floor, which is currently used as office space.

— alison gregor, New York Times, "House Hunting in … Luxembourg," 14 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

foyer Synonyms

Synonyms

hall, lobby

Related Words

entranceway, entry, entryway, hallway, vestibule; concourse, corridor, gallery, passageway; antechamber, anteroom, chamber, waiting room

Other Architecture Terms

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

FOYER Defined for English Language Learners

foyer

play

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