indoors
adv. · n.-
1 inside a building (adv.) A2 Elementaryinto or inside a building.
into or within the interior of a building; functions as an adverb of place.
ExampleIt started to rain, so the children ran indoors to play.
ExampleWhen the temperature dropped below freezing, the event organisers decided to move the entire reception indoors to the main hall.
UsageUsually follows the verb or the object of the sentence.
PitfallIt was raining, so we stayed at indoors.It was raining, so we stayed indoors.Do not use a preposition like 'at' or 'in' before 'indoors'; it functions as a complete adverbial phrase on its own.
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2 the interior space (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe area inside a building.
the interior of a building or buildings in general; often used with 'the'.
ExampleHe spent too much time in the indoors and needed some fresh air.
ExampleThe architect focused on bringing elements of nature into the indoors through large glass panels and internal gardens.
UsageTypically used as a singular noun preceded by the definite article.
From in + doors, originally two words, representing earlier within doors.