What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foyer
Example
The guests gathered in the foyer before entering the ballroom. [foyer: noun]
Example
The foyer of the house was decorated with a beautiful chandelier. [foyer: noun]
lobby
Example
The lobby of the hotel was spacious and well-lit. [lobby: noun]
Example
The interest group hired a lobbyist to advocate for their cause. [lobbyist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lobby is more commonly used than foyer in everyday language, especially in American English. Lobby is also more versatile, as it can be used to describe a waiting area in various types of buildings, while foyer is more specific to certain types of buildings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foyer and lobby?
Both foyer and lobby can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, foyer may be associated with a more elegant or sophisticated tone, while lobby is more neutral in connotation.