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

See Examples For:

common room

Sweaty, exhausted and streaked in grass stains, the families gathered in the common room for the deciding match.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

They stood near the common room, wide smiles plastered on their faces as they watched him collect his belongings, he recalled.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

It will also showcase other beloved moments, including Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson, casting the Petrificus Totalus spell on Neville Longbottom, played by Matthew Lewis, in the Gryffindor common room.

From BBC ● May 6, 2026

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

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 28, 2023

The whole common room listened with bated breath.

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