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Synonyms

entryway

American  
[en-tree-wey] / ˈɛn triˌweɪ /

noun

  1. a passage for affording entrance.


Usage

What is an entryway? An entryway is a passage or room designed to be the entrance to a building. Entryway can also describe a figurative entrance, such as an entrance into a conversation, as in Because the twins never paused for breath while they were talking, I couldn’t find an entryway into their conversation. Example: Take this tank through the entryway of the fish store, and I’ll meet you around back with the animals.

Etymology

Origin of entryway

An Americanism dating back to 1740–50; entry + way 1

Explanation

An entryway is the door, passage, or general area of a building's entrance. The entryway of your vet's office might be decorated with pictures of dogs and cats. The opening, doorway, or small room you pass through on your way inside a house or building is called an entryway. The entryway to your house might be a very small area with a coat closet and a mirror, while the entryway of a palace is probably quite grand, and the town library's entryway might have book return slots and a security system to ensure no books get stolen.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An open layout features an entryway with two elegant staircases, while the kitchen is outfitted with a Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf gas stove, and large walk-in pantry.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

She decided to put them in her entryway so they’d be the first things anyone coming into her house would see.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

He walked around a person sleeping in the entryway.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The front door was charred black and the smell of smoke and soot lingered in the entryway.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

I turned all the way around again and this time saw a shirtless old man standing in the entryway of a large yurt.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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