drawing room

American  

noun

1. a formal reception room, especially in an apartment or private house.

2. (in a railroad car) a private room for two or three passengers.

3. British. a formal reception, especially at court.

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drawing room British  

noun

1. a room where visitors are received and entertained; living room; sitting room

2. archaic a ceremonial or formal reception, esp at court

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Other Word Forms

• drawing-room adjective

Etymology

Origin of drawing room

First recorded in 1635–45; as shortening of now obsolete withdrawing room

Example Sentences

In the drawing room, 133 titles and 289 volumes of mostly unscientific literature were recorded.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2024

When her housekeeper found her body in the drawing room in the northern city of Sassari in the winter of 1914, Giles was clinging to the last minutes of her mysterious life.

From Salon • May 28, 2023

Princess Kate accompanied on piano, in a brief segment recorded in the crimson drawing room of Windsor Castle earlier this month.

From BBC • May 13, 2023

In 1972, many layers of paint were removed from the drawing room to reveal the original painted and stenciled ceilings.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

Mother was already bustling around, straightening up the drawing room.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

• parlor
• reception room