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

The Martins’ home is distinguished by 11-foot ceilings, white oak floors and a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025

This down-to-earth table keeps its shelving directly on the floor, which is an unexpected way to add decorative accents or a row of storage baskets and bins to a foyer. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025

Rethink Walls for an Open Layout The living room was divided into small, awkward spaces by walls that separated it from the kitchen and foyer. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

The secure vestibule at Thomas Jefferson looks like a long and skinny foyer just inside the front doors. —Melanie Asmar, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025

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