vestibule
- 01 C1 Advanced
a small entrance hall or room between the outer door and the main part of a building.
a small antechamber or passage between the outer door and the interior of a building, such as a lobby or hall.
Simple“We left our wet umbrellas in the vestibule before entering the main house.”
In context“The architect designed a glass-walled vestibule to act as a thermal buffer between the harsh winter air and the building's interior.”
UsageCommonly used in descriptions of older or formal buildings, such as churches and grand houses.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a small space or cavity in the body that leads to another area.
any of several bodily cavities or channels that serve as an entrance to another space, particularly in the ear or mouth.
Simple“The doctor explained that the problem was located in the vestibule of the inner ear.”
In context“The vestibular system, located within the vestibule of the inner ear, is essential for maintaining a sense of balance and spatial orientation.”
UsageUsually functions as a technical term in medical or biological contexts.
Early 17th century, borrowed from French vestibule (“entrance court”), from Latin vestibulum (“forecourt, entrance court; entrance”), from vestiō (“to dress, clothe, vest”) + -bulum (“place, location”, nominal suffix). Doublet of vestibulum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.