common room

American  

noun

1. a room or lounge for informal use by all.

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common room British  

noun

1. a sitting room in schools, colleges, etc, for the relaxation of students or staff

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Etymology

Origin of common room

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

On the evening of Jan. 15, 26 undergrads gathered for dinner in a common room at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to debate the fairness of college admissions post-affirmative action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Some common room shapes include: rectangular, square, angled and curved.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

The marquee, which provides a temporary common room and study area, was put up by three young leaders, who are all students, with the help of some adult volunteers.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2023

One of the earliest video clips, dated April 2017, shows a common room in the jail’s gay and trans dorm.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2023

Walter sat in a common room with older, heavily medicated people watching TV It was jarring to see him sitting in a hospital gown among people so compromised and infirm.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson