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

The main home’s entry foyer boasting a double staircase flows to a pair of formal living rooms. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026

The large foyer easily works as a study, and the open kitchen flows into a living-dining area with oversize windows and hardwood floors. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 16 Mar. 2026

Sometimes this leads to more experimental installations, like Patrick Marold building a circular forest of 40-foot-tall pines in the main gallery, or Sue Oehme stringing up hundreds of rainbow monotypes in the foyer. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026

Inside the house, the foyer boasts a 31-foot copper dome ceiling with a sweeping oak staircase below — accented in copper to match. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 9 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