vestibule

Definition

A small entrance hall, antechamber, passage, or room between the outer door and the main hall, lobby, or interior of a building.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "Lydia's voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown open, and she ran into the room."
• "The purpose of the vestibule, at least in western Europe, was not to provide a resting-place for penitents, but to deaden the noise outside."
• "Some instinct warned Armitage that what was taking place was not a thing for unfortified eyes to see, so he brushed back the crowd with authority as he unlocked the vestibule door."

Related Words