Foyer (noun)

1. A room or hall in a public building, especially a theater or dance hall, where people can wait.
2. The entrance hall or lobby of a public building, especially a hotel or apartment building.
3. A room in a private house, leading to other rooms, often used as a sitting room.

Origin:

Late 18th century: from french, literally "hearth, fireplace", from latin focus "hearth, fireplace".

Examples:

1. People were milling around in the theater foyer.
2. The foyer of the hotel was beautifully decorated.
3. The foyer was the perfect place for guests to gather before the party.
4. He waited for her in the foyer of the apartment building.
5. We sat in the foyer and talked before going out to dinner.