drawing room

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.

drawing room

noun

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

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

Other Word Forms

• drawing-room adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawing room¹

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

Example Sentences

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

One reason he endures is because a lot of the society we see is Grace Kelly in beautiful frocks and Cary Grant in gorgeous suits in cocktail world drawing rooms.

From Salon

Sunlight—pale, watery English sunlight—fell, almost unseen, across Princess Louise’s personal drawing room.

From Literature

Recalling the meeting, Ms Truss writes in her memoir that the monarch was "standing up as she greeted me in her drawing room".

From BBC

The family resided on the second floor with bedrooms, dressing rooms, and drawing rooms.

From Literature

Related Words

• parlor 
• reception room