foyer

noun

foy·​er ˈfȯi(-ə)r  ˈfȯi-ˌ(y)ā 

also ˈfwä-ˌyā

: an anteroom or lobby especially of a theater

also : an entrance hallway : vestibule

Synonyms of foyer

• lobby

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 on the Web

Named for the Astor matriarch who shaped New York society, these suites feature a welcome foyer, separate living room, king bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and that same stunning marble bathroom. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026

In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid. —Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026

The artist can be seen sleeping on a lounge chair in the foyer, the rest of her studio apartment crammed from floor to ceiling with art. —Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

Navon also chose to preserve the original wood framing around the bay window and doors of the home, along with tile floors in the foyer. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foyer

• oyer
• destroyer
• employer
• multiemployer

Kids Definition

foyer

noun

foy·​er ˈfȯi(-ə)r  ˈfȯi-ˌ(y)ā 

1

: a lobby especially in a theater

2

: an entrance hallway : vestibule