Dictionary [BATHROOM]: A room designed for personal hygiene, typically including a bath or shower

bathroom

bathroom

noun (countable)
UK/ˈbɑːθ.ruːm/US/ˈbæθ.ruːm/

A room containing a bathtub or shower and usually a sink and toilet, used for personal hygiene and bodily functions.

Example Sentences

  1. The hotel bathroom was stocked with fresh towels and toiletries.

  2. She cleaned the bathroom thoroughly before the guests arrived.

  3. When designing their new home, they decided to add an extra bathroom to accommodate their growing family during busy mornings.

  4. He prefers a bathroom with natural light, so he installed a skylight to brighten the space throughout the day.

  1. After the renovation, the small bathroom felt much larger thanks to the addition of a walk-in shower and a wall-mounted sink.

  2. In many public places, signs direct you to the nearest bathroom or restroom for convenience and hygiene.

  3. They converted the old storage closet into a half bathroom on the first floor, which made entertaining guests much easier and prevented long lines during gatherings.

  4. Although the ensuite bathroom was compact, it featured modern fixtures, including a rainfall showerhead and heated flooring, creating a luxurious yet space-efficient experience.

Thesaurus
Synonyms

How to Use

A private space with facilities for bathing, often including a toilet and sink.

A “bathroom” is a dedicated room in homes, offices, or public buildings where people maintain personal hygiene. Standard amenities often include a sink (basin) for washing hands and face, a bathtub or shower for bathing, and a toilet. In some regions, the term “bathroom” refers strictly to a room containing a bathtub or shower, while in others it can be a polite way to say “toilet” or “restroom” without specifying bathing facilities. When describing a bathroom in conversation or writing, you can note its size (“a spacious master bathroom”), aesthetic (“a modern bathroom with glass tiles”), or features (“a bathroom equipped with a jacuzzi tub”). In household discussions, “bathroom” might appear frequently: “Who’s using the bathroom?” or “I’m remodeling the guest bathroom.” In formal contexts—like architectural plans or real-estate listings—you might detail the floor plan, fixtures, ventilation, and overall style. By focusing on the room’s purpose—hygiene and privacy—you give clear context to your usage of the word “bathroom,” whether you’re describing its design, function, or cultural variations.

Alternatives

Common synonyms or near-synonyms for “bathroom” include “restroom,” “washroom,” “lavatory,” or “WC” (water closet). In public settings, “restroom” or “lavatory” is often used in North America, while “loo” is a casual term popular in the UK. “Washroom” might appear in parts of Canada and some formal establishments. “Powder room” typically indicates a small bathroom without a shower, often used by guests. If a house includes multiple bathrooms, people might refer to them specifically as “master bathroom,” “guest bath,” or “half-bath” (toilet and sink only). Choice of terminology can vary by region, level of formality, and presence—or absence—of bathing facilities. For instance, “WC” (common in Europe) tends to emphasize the toilet, while “shower room” can specify there’s only a shower and no tub. Selecting the right term often depends on cultural norms and the intended audience: if you want to be polite or formal, “restroom” might be best, whereas “loo” or “washroom” could sound more casual or regional.

Writing

When incorporating “bathroom” into writing, clarity and detail can make a mundane space feel relevant and real. In descriptive passages, mention features like tilework, lighting, or color schemes: “Warm, recessed lighting and subtle mosaic tiles turned the small bathroom into a cozy retreat.” For narrative storytelling, the bathroom might become a scene of reflection or confrontation—like a character examining themselves in the mirror or overhearing a conversation through thin walls. In non-fiction or informative writing, you might discuss bathroom renovations or design tips—e.g., “Upgrading an outdated bathroom with modern fixtures can significantly increase a property’s value.” If your piece addresses social topics, you could explore cultural differences in bathroom etiquette or the evolution of plumbing. Whether you’re penning a short story, a blog on home improvement, or an architectural manual, be consistent in how you use “bathroom” versus synonyms (like “restroom” or “lavatory”) so readers understand precisely which space you’re referencing.

Casual Conversation

Everyday conversation often involves “bathroom” in practical contexts. You might say, “I’ll be right back, just need to use the bathroom,” or “Where’s the bathroom?” when visiting someone’s home. Friends and family discuss bathroom habits or chores, such as, “Could you restock the toilet paper in the bathroom?” or “The kids left towels all over the bathroom floor again.” If you’re hosting guests, you might point them to a “guest bathroom” or mention recent updates: “We just redid the bathroom with new tile.” In casual chats, you can also use the term interchangeably with “restroom,” especially in public settings—“I’m going to find a restroom before the movie starts.” However, “bathroom” generally implies a private, domestic environment, whereas “restroom” can sound more neutral and is more common in commercial or public places. Overall, “bathroom” in everyday speech is straightforward and focused on daily practicalities—looking for it, maintaining it, or simply needing it for personal use.

Etymology

The word “bathroom” fuses “bath,” referencing a tub or act of bathing, and “room,” denoting a designated space. Historically, the term took hold in English-speaking countries once indoor plumbing became commonplace and families began constructing separate rooms exclusively for bathing, hygiene, and personal care. Initially, this room might not have contained a toilet; that piece was often located in a separate “water closet.” But as modern sanitation and plumbing advanced, the combined space with bathtub or shower, sink, and toilet became the norm, especially across North America and other parts of the world. Varied cultural or historical backgrounds might yield slightly different uses or connotations: in some places, a “bathroom” specifically means a room with a bath, not necessarily a toilet, while in others it can be used as a polite catchall term for any personal hygiene facility. Regardless, “bathroom” has come to represent a private area for washing, grooming, and relieving oneself—an indispensable part of modern architecture and daily life.

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