foyer
UK: ˈfɔɪ.eɪ | US: ˈfɔɪ.ɚ
n. An entrance hall or lobby in a building, especially a theater or hotel.
foyer = foy<hearth> + er<noun suffix>
- foy (from Old French foier, meaning "hearth" or "fireplace")
- er (a noun-forming suffix in French, often indicating a place)
Etymology Origin:
The word foyer originates from French, where it originally referred to the hearth or fireplace in a home—the central gathering place. Over time, it evolved to denote the entrance hall of a building, symbolizing warmth and welcome. The transition reflects the social role of lobbies as spaces where people congregate, much like a hearth in traditional homes.
The guests mingled in the grand foyer before the concert.
She waited nervously in the hotel foyer for her interview.
The theater’s foyer was decorated with vintage posters.
A chandelier illuminated the marble foyer of the mansion.
He left his coat at the cloakroom in the foyer.