Bathroom: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in homes and informal situations to refer to a room containing a toilet and often a sink and bathtub or shower.

• I need to clean the bathroom this weekend.
• Can you show me where the bathroom is?

Typically used in public places like restaurants, malls, and airports. It is a polite and formal term for a place with toilets and sinks.

• The restroom is located next to the food court.
• Excuse me, where is the nearest restroom?

A term more commonly used in Canada and in some formal contexts to refer to a place with toilets and sinks.

• The washroom is at the end of the hall.
• Employees should always wash their hands before leaving the washroom.

Direct and straightforward term often used in European English to refer specifically to the fixture for urination and defecation or the room containing it. It may sound a bit blunt in American English.

• Where is the toilet in this restaurant?
• I need to buy some toilet paper.

Commonly used in homes and for personal hygiene, where people bathe and prepare for the day.

• I need to go to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
• Can you clean the bathroom before our guests arrive?

Commonly used in the United States to refer to public facilities where people can use the toilet and wash their hands. Often used in commercial and public places like restaurants, malls, and office buildings.

• Excuse me, where is the nearest restroom?
• The restrooms in this mall are very clean.

More formal and often used in public places such as airports, trains, or airplanes. It can also be considered a polite term.

• The lavatories on this flight are located at the back of the plane.
• Please use the lavatory at the end of the corridor.

Direct and specific term for the actual device used for urination and defecation. Used both in public and private settings. It can sometimes sound a bit blunt or crude, especially in polite conversation.

• I need to find a toilet immediately.
• The toilet in my bathroom is clogged.