vestibule

[ ves-tuh-byool ]

noun

1. a passage, hall, or antechamber between the outer door and the interior parts of a house or building.
2. Railroads. an enclosed space at the end of a passenger car, serving as a sheltered entrance to the car from another car or from outside the train.
3. Anatomy, Zoology. any of various cavities or hollows regarded as forming an approach or entrance to another cavity or space, as that of the internal ear.

verb (used with object)

, ves·ti·buled, ves·ti·bul·ing.

1. to provide with a vestibule.

vestibule

/ vɛˈstɪbjʊlə; ˈvɛstɪˌbjuːl /

noun

1. a small entrance hall or anteroom; lobby
2. any small bodily cavity or space at the entrance to a passage or canal

vestibule

/ vĕs′tə-byo̅o̅l′ /

1. An oval cavity in the inner ear that together with the semicircular canals makes up the organ that maintains equilibrium in vertebrates.

Derived Forms

• vestibular, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vestibule¹

First recorded in 1615–25, vestibule is from the Latin word vestibulum forecourt, entrance

Word History and Origins

Origin of vestibule¹

C17: from Latin vestibulum

Example Sentences

The door was opened; and the deputy stood back, while the son of the Duke entered the vestibule of the prison.

From Project Gutenberg

He returned to the vestibule with the strip folded and somewhat crumpled in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Ducksmith, without a word, went straight into the salon, leaving Aristide and his wife standing in the vestibule.

From Project Gutenberg

When the next train pulled out, Lamb was in the vestibule, half a car-length away from him.

From Project Gutenberg

As she entered the vestibule the stage-manager came to meet her, and told her that her part had been given to another singer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• doorway
• foyer
• hallway
• porch