drawing room

American  

noun

1. a formal reception room, especially in an apartment or private house.

2. (in a railroad car) a private room for two or three passengers.

3. British. a formal reception, especially at court.

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drawing room British  

noun

1. a room where visitors are received and entertained; living room; sitting room

2. archaic a ceremonial or formal reception, esp at court

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Other Word Forms

• drawing-room adjective

Etymology

Origin of drawing room

First recorded in 1635–45; as shortening of now obsolete withdrawing room

Example Sentences

He led Kik and me into the drawing room where, sipping coffee and chatting in small groups, was the most distinguished-looking group of men and women I had ever seen.

From Literature

They burst into the next room—a gold-painted drawing room, with a hole in the ceiling and chewed-looking curtains—and then into a room full of maps, with a collection of globes stained with dust.

From Literature

That moment did not come until after dessert, when the family moved to the drawing room.

From Literature

Once introductions had been made, the entire party settled in the drawing room.

From Literature

As he settled in for a brief chat with the media in the drawing room at Chevening alongside the foreign secretary, Vance spoke warmly of their relationship.

From BBC

Related Words

• parlor
• reception room