English Reference
noun

foyer

n.
US /ˈfɔɪɝ/ UK /fˈɔɪeɪ/ foy·er UK spelling foyers

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a large open space near the entrance of a building where people can wait or meet.

    a lobby or entrance hall in a public building, such as a hotel or theatre, serving as a transition space or waiting area.

    Simple

    We agreed to meet in the hotel foyer ten minutes before the tour started.

    In context

    The theatre foyer was crowded with patrons discussing the performance during the twenty-minute interval.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced British English

    a place that provides a home and job training for young people who have no place to live.

    a hostel providing accommodation and integrated support services, including employment training, for homeless or vulnerable young people.

    Simple

    After leaving care, he found a room at a local foyer that helped him find a job.

    In context

    The charity operates several foyers across the city to ensure that young people at risk of homelessness have access to stable housing.

    Usage

    Often used as a proper noun in the names of specific organisations.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the part of a furnace where melted metal is collected.

    the crucible or basin at the base of a furnace designed to receive molten metal.

    Simple

    The molten iron flowed steadily into the foyer of the blast furnace.

    In context

    Engineers inspected the lining of the foyer to ensure it could withstand the extreme temperatures of the molten copper.


Borrowed from French foyer (“hearth, lobby”), in turn from Vulgar Latin *focārium, from Late Latin focārius, from Latin focus (“hearth”). Cognate with Spanish hogar (“home”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin focus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated