waiting room

American  

[wey-ting room, room] / ˈweɪ tɪŋ ˌrum, ˌrʊm /

noun

1. a room for the use of persons waiting, as in a railroad station or a physician's office.

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waiting room British  

noun

1. a room in which people may wait, as at a railway station, doctor's or dentist's office, etc

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Etymology

Origin of waiting room

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Managing the background actors in the waiting room is a full-time job, handled primarily by crew member Nicole Jones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“Patient passports” introduced by Dr. Al-Hashimi, the new chief attending physician, to improve people’s experience at the hospital became fans in the hot waiting room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

You might enter an old apartment building that’s been rezoned for offices with no waiting room to speak of.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

A packed waiting room, doctors under pressure, mental health crises.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The newspaper, a book, the waiting room pamphlet about the power of prayer.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• foyer
• reception room
• vestibule