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

Taking the photographs in a vestibule at the end of a carriage, Edwards taped a large bag to the opposite window to reduce the glare - though the train conductor was not so happy.

From BBC

“A significant fire engulfed the door and part of the vestibule,” which prevented staff members who were working inside the office from exiting, the Police Department said.

From New York Times

Firefighters responded to a call Friday morning and found a fire between the vestibule, the elevator and the entrance door of Sanders’ third-floor office in Burlington.

From Seattle Times

Dante described the vestibule of hell as populated with those who couldn’t choose a side in life.

From Los Angeles Times

In the “Inferno,” Dante described the vestibule of hell as populated by those who did not choose a side in life, neither brazen enough to embrace evil nor strong enough to fight it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doorway
• foyer
• hallway
• porch