foyer

noun

foy·​er ˈfȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce foyer (audio) ˈfȯi-ˌ(y)ā How to pronounce foyer (audio)
also ˈfwä-ˌyā
Synonyms of foyernext
: an anteroom or lobby especially of a theater
also : an entrance hallway : vestibule

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
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 foyer of the home welcomes guests with a dramatic grand staircase to the second floor. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 The floor plan still includes the walk-in foyer and wardrobe directly inside the rear side door, but instead of running a queen bed from sidewall to sidewall up front, the Crossover Solo splits its floor into a 38 x 80-in (97 x 203-cm) twin XL bed and an open floor next to it. C.c. Weiss may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026 Clusters of waiting patrons spilled from the foyer onto the front patio. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 The project gave a face-lift to all 24 event spaces, including 21 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and a 10,000-square-foot foyer and pre-function area designed for networking and large gatherings. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for foyer

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foyer was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foyer. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

foyer

noun
1
: a lobby especially in a theater
2
: an entrance hallway : vestibule

More from Merriam-Webster on foyer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster