A foyer (pronounced FOY-er or foy-YAY) is the entrance hall or lobby of a building, especially a home, theater, or hotel. When you walk through the front door of a house, you often step into the foyer first, before entering the main living areas. It's that transitional space where people pause to hang up coats, remove shoes, or greet visitors.

In theaters, the foyer is where audience members gather before a show and during intermission, often featuring refreshment stands or decorated walls. In apartment buildings, the foyer might contain mailboxes and a front desk. Grand hotels often have impressive foyers with chandeliers and comfortable seating.

In homes, a foyer serves a practical purpose: it creates a buffer between the outside world and private living spaces. Instead of walking straight from the street into someone's living room, you step into the foyer first, giving both visitors and residents a moment to transition. Some foyers are small and simple, while others in mansions or public buildings are large and ornate, designed to make a strong first impression.