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

Since then, it has raised more than £300,000 for a new pre-teen common room in the Schiehallion ward and ongoing improvements, such as new loungers.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

Mr. Yi lamented as he sat in the hostel’s common room after a day of unsuccessful interviews.

From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2023

“Everyone back upstairs!” said Percy, hurrying into the common room and pinning his Head Boy badge to his pajamas as he spoke.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling