Antechamber

An antechamber is a waiting room or outer chamber, often leading to a larger or more important room. Historically, it served as a place for individuals to wait before being granted access to a person of higher rank, such as a king, queen, or dignitary. Nowadays, antechambers are also found in other official settings, such as offices, government buildings, and museums, used for similar purposes – providing a holding space for visitors or those awaiting an audience. The term emphasizes a space of transition, anticipation, and the potential for hierarchy or social standing.

Antechamber meaning with examples

• The nervous delegation cooled their heels in the antechamber, practicing their presentation before being called into the CEO's office. The plush velvet seating did little to soothe their rising anxiety, as whispers about the pending merger echoed through the hushed space. The heavy oak door separating them from the meeting felt miles away.
• Before being granted an audience with the Pope, the cardinals had to wait patiently in a richly decorated antechamber, adorned with priceless tapestries and gilded furniture. This space was more of a reflection of power than a simple waiting room. The silence was broken only by the rustle of robes and the subtle scent of incense.
• The museum's antechamber, filled with informational displays and a ticketing counter, provided a preview of the exhibits to come. The atmosphere was buzzy with excited chatter as the staff prepped for the day’s crowds. This area served as a vital gateway to the world of art and history.
• The doctor's antechamber offered a comfortable, if impersonal, respite for patients before their appointments. Magazines were scattered across the chairs; the soft instrumental music, barely audible, was the soundtrack to nervous moments. The antechamber provided the opportunity to calm and prepare mentally for an exam.
• As the foreign ambassadors awaited their scheduled meeting, they gathered in the opulent antechamber of the parliament building, exchanging nervous glances and whispered pleasantries. The luxurious decorations and attentive staff were intended to reflect the host country's respect for the dignitaries.