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

• hall
• 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

Bridges Brown Interiors Bridges Brown Interiors designed this space as an extension of the foyer, creating the feel of a courtyard with a large olive tree and planter by Robert Lawrence Designs. —Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025

The home itself is accessed via a semi-private elevator that opens to a small foyer and an ample stair gallery. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Jan. 2025

Before and during performances, dancers warm up in the foyer de la danse, a gilded room with dripping chandeliers at the back of the stage, where season ticket holders would court ballerinas a century ago. —Elliott Verdier, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

The railroad-style layout has the living room at the front, a walk-through kitchen directly off the tiny foyer, and a little bedroom in the back. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

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