Reading Theme:
Waiting Room: Definition and Examples
Meaning 1：waiting room (waiting room)
waiting room
/ˈweɪtɪŋ ruːm/
n.
A room where people sit and wait, usually before seeing a doctor, a manager, or getting a service.
waiting room
➕
/ˈweɪtɪŋ ruːm/
n.
A designated area where people sit and wait, typically before receiving a service like medical care, legal advice, or an appointment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'wait' (to remain in expectation) and 'room' (space), first recorded in the 19th century for medical offices.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a room full of people waiting for a doctor—'wait' + 'room' = the place you do nothing but wait.
📖 Example
The nurse asked us to sit in the waiting room until the doctor was ready.
The nurse asked us to sit in the waiting room until the doctor was ready.
🔗 Collocations
waiting room chair – a chair in a waiting room
hospital waiting room – a waiting area in a hospital
crowded waiting room – a waiting room with many people
🔄 Synonyms
waiting area (n.) – A general term for any space where people wait
lobby (n.) – A large entrance area, often with seating, in a hotel or office building
anteroom (n.) – A small room leading to a larger one, used for waiting
🌱 Derivatives
waiting area (n.) – synonym for waiting room
📖 Cultural Story
Originated in 19th-century medical clinics where patients waited in a separate room. Became standard in hospitals, law firms, and offices, symbolizing patient endurance.
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