antechamber

Definition

A small room used as an entryway or reception area to a larger room.

Etymology

From Middle French antichambre, with remodelling after ante- and chamber. By surface analysis, ante- + chamber.

Example Sentences

• "Who knows. Perhaps the Ark is still waiting in some antechamber for us to discover. Perhaps there's some vital bit of evidence which eludes us. Perhaps…"
• ""This is merely the antechamber, the entrance hall," said Dumbledore after a moment or two."