foyer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'foyer' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and refers to a lobby in a theater or other public building. An example sentence would be: We met in the foyer before the movie began.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having followed the river from the bottom of the Gemmi, I reached the hotel's elegant foyer by late afternoon, red-cheeked and moist.

The Guardian - Travel

Servicing is tucked around the back and below, transforming the delivery yard gulley into a public entrance, where a broad staircase will rise to a lofty foyer.

The Guardian - Arts

Once the appetite for art is sated, a wander around the marble foyer of this Jugendstil print foundry (built in 1901) is highly recommended.

The Guardian - Travel

In search of coffee we head to the nearby Rose theatre foyer, which is full of latte-loving young mothers encouraging their offspring to let off some steam.

The Guardian - Music

In the foyer of Portcullis House in the heart of Westminster, Sadiq Khan, who is tasked with galvanising Labour's push in London and seeing off the threat from the Greens, acknowledged the task ahead.

The Guardian

Stevens established himself in a vast ninth-floor office with a butler dancing attendance and installed a bust of himself in the foyer.

The Guardian

With husbands still calling friends from the payphone in the foyer for updates, or nipping across Finchley Road for a glimpse in the windows of Radio Rentals, it took an age for the ushers to get everyone settled.

The Guardian

The interior is like a throwback to another age: the brass and chrome-plated foyer, the one-clerk box office, the retro wallpaper.

The Guardian - Film

To coincide with the Hydro's arrival, the SECC across the way opened a bar-kitchen restaurant called Clyde Built in its foyer, which isn't a bad option for a pre-gig sit-down meal (advance booking essential).

The Guardian - Music

It is because of him that anyone entering the cavernous foyer of Barclays's Canary Wharf headquarters needs to watch their step – one false move can lead to a painful collision with one of the five huge perspex blocks positioned across the hall, each emblazoned with one of the values he recites at every opportunity: respect, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship.

The Guardian - Business

When you see a hill before you, you want to climb up it, and so I put the wide steps in front of people leading into the foyer.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foyer" to specifically denote the entrance area of a public building, such as a theater or hotel, where people may gather or wait.

Common error

Avoid using "foyer" to describe the entrance of a private residence; terms like "entryway" or "hallway" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "foyer" primarily functions as a spatial descriptor, identifying a specific area within a building, typically a public one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use in various contexts. Examples show it referring to the entrance areas of hotels, theaters, and other public spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "foyer" is a common and correct noun used to describe the entrance area of public buildings like theaters and hotels. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage and grammatical validity. While synonymous with terms like "lobby" and "entrance hall", "foyer" often implies a more formal or decorative space. It's best to avoid using "foyer" for private residences, where "entryway" or "hallway" are more appropriate. Predominantly found in news articles and encyclopedias, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to use "foyer" when you want to specifically refer to the entrance area of a public establishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entrance hall

Focuses on the function as a passage or entry point.

lobby

A more general term for a waiting area, particularly in hotels or theaters.

vestibule

Implies a small entryway or passage between the outer door and the interior of a building.

reception area

Emphasizes the area where visitors are greeted and received.

entrance

A broad term referring to any point of entry.

antechamber

Suggests a waiting room or outer room leading to another, more important space.

anteroom

Similar to antechamber, indicating a smaller room leading to a larger one.

entryway

Highlights the entrance as a distinct area within a building.

atrium

Often refers to a large, open space within a building, sometimes with a glass roof.

reception

This can be used to mean the area where someone receives guests.

FAQs

How can I use "foyer" in a sentence?

You can use "foyer" to describe the entrance area of a public building. For example, "We waited in the "foyer" of the theater before the play began."

What is the difference between "foyer" and "lobby"?

While both terms refer to entrance areas, a "foyer" often suggests a more formal or decorative space, especially in theaters or hotels, whereas "lobby" is a more general term for a waiting area.

Are there any synonyms for "foyer"?

Yes, you can use words like "entrance hall", "vestibule", or "reception area" as alternatives to "foyer", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "foyer" to describe the entrance of a house?

No, "foyer" is typically used for public buildings. For a house, terms like "entryway" or "hallway" are more suitable.