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

Leaders of Mr. Khan’s political party took to social media to share footage of tear gas canisters landing on the lawn outside his drawing room.

From New York Times

In 1972, many layers of paint were removed from the drawing room to reveal the original painted and stenciled ceilings.

From Seattle Times

The vibe was more cozy living room than formal drawing room; the conversation was wide-ranging and occasionally contentious.

From New York Times

Meanwhile in the drawing room, shadows sprawled across the ceiling and a baubled lamp on a marble-topped table shed light that looked gas-produced, as if it had been beamed directly from the 19th century.

From Washington Post

The only thing we can truly be sure of is it was not Colonel Mustard in the drawing room.

From BBC

Related Words

• parlor
• reception room