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

With its Gothic exterior and Victorian decorative additions from the 1800s, Knebworth "expresses lots of different periods" with its Jacobean hall, Edwardian drawing room, Victorian library and a Regency bedroom.

From BBC • May 27, 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

Someone addressed her from inside the drawing room and she spoke over her shoulder in reply.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• parlor
• reception room