bedroom
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbed.ruːm/US/ˈbɛd.ruːm/
A room in a house, apartment, or other dwelling used primarily for sleeping.
Example Sentences
He spent the entire afternoon rearranging the furniture in his bedroom.
The apartment has two bedrooms, each with its own small balcony.
Her bedroom is decorated in calm, neutral colors, creating a soothing ambiance for sleep.
The bedroom is located on the second floor, ensuring a quiet space away from the living area.
Many modern homes include an en-suite bathroom connected to the master bedroom for added convenience.
Guests will be staying in the spare bedroom, which has fresh linens and a comfortable bed.
Some people prefer a minimalist bedroom with only the essentials, helping maintain a clutter-free environment that promotes rest.
After a thorough renovation, the previously cramped bedroom now boasts a walk-in closet, large windows for ample natural light, and tasteful décor.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A residential space with a bed for rest, often including personal storage or décor.“Bedroom” refers to a dedicated room in a house or apartment where one typically sleeps or rests. Commonly, it features a bed as the central piece of furniture, accompanied by nightstands, a dresser or wardrobe, and possibly a desk or seating area, depending on available space. People personalize bedrooms with items like lamps, rugs, curtains, and décor that reflect their tastes and comfort needs. Beyond sleeping, a bedroom may serve multiple functions—like storing clothes in closets or dressers, reading quietly, or offering a private retreat to relax. In conversation, you might say, “The bedroom is upstairs,” or “I’m redecorating my bedroom,” clearly indicating this is a space set aside for rest and personal belongings. The term “master bedroom” can denote the largest bedroom in a home, often with an attached bathroom, while “guest bedroom” signals extra sleeping space for visitors. Overall, a bedroom is a core living area, dedicated to privacy, relaxation, and, of course, a good night’s sleep.
Alternatives
If you need to use different words or phrases, you might say “sleeping quarters” if you’re aiming for a slightly more formal or older-fashioned tone. Terms like “sleeping area” or “resting space” are broader but capture the same idea of a private place to sleep. Meanwhile, “chamber” feels antiquated or literary, though it can emphasize a more classic or historical setting. “Personal sanctuary” or “private retreat” highlights the restful, individualized nature of the room, especially in writings about wellness or comfort. In real estate or interior design, you might refer to the “primary suite” instead of “master bedroom” to align with current terminology. Each choice depends on how formal, casual, or stylistically descriptive you want to be, but “bedroom” remains the most straightforward term for most contexts.
Writing
When writing about a bedroom, details can convey mood, function, or personality. If you’re creating a narrative, specify how the room feels—cozy, minimalistic, filled with natural light, or messy from a character’s hectic routine. Incorporate sensory clues: the texture of bedding, the light streaming through curtains in the morning, or the faint smell of fresh linen. For an instructional or design-focused piece, describe bedroom essentials—mattress type, bed frame style, or storage solutions that keep the space uncluttered and restful. If you need a more reflective or emotional approach, discuss how a bedroom can serve as a haven for relaxation or personal expression, highlighting color schemes, privacy considerations, and the intangible sense of security it provides. Whether you’re presenting a fictional setting, offering home improvement tips, or writing about lifestyle choices, anchoring your descriptions in sensory and functional elements helps readers understand not just what a bedroom is, but what it can mean in daily life.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, you might chat about a bedroom when discussing chores, comfort, or a house’s layout—“I need to clean my bedroom,” “I love my new bedroom curtains,” or “The kids share a bedroom.” If you’re catching up with a friend who’s moving, you could ask, “How many bedrooms does your new place have?” Sometimes people casually mention redecorating: “I’m painting my bedroom walls a softer color.” Or they’ll refer to bedroom furniture shopping: “We’re looking for a new bed frame for the bedroom.” If you’re traveling, you might specify sleeping arrangements: “It’s a small Airbnb, but there’s a separate bedroom and a pullout couch in the living room.” In general, “bedroom” surfaces in everyday talk whenever you address personal space, comfort, and the number of rooms in a home. Because it’s such a standard room, the term rarely needs explanation—it’s simply a part of everyone’s home routine and basic living configuration.
Etymology
The word “bedroom” combines “bed”—a piece of furniture for sleeping—and “room,” which denotes a partitioned space in a building. This straightforward construction aligns with Old English “bedd” (referring to a sleeping surface) and “rūm” (meaning an enclosed area). As housing evolved, rooms gained more specialized functions, and the term “bedroom” emerged to label the space specifically used for sleeping. Over time, cultural norms shaped bedroom design—Victorian homes often featured elaborate bedroom décor, while modern homes sometimes integrate “en suite” bathrooms or walk-in closets into master or primary bedrooms. Despite evolving styles, the essential function remains consistent across centuries and regions: a designated spot to rest at night. Today, “bedroom” continues to carry that basic sense of an intimate, personal space centered on sleep and relaxation, bridging historical tradition and modern living.
