Bathroom: meaning, definitions and examples

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bathroom

[ˈbɑːθruːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a house

A room containing a bath or shower and typically also a washbasin and a toilet.

Synonyms

restroom, toilet, washroom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bathroom	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?
restroom	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?
washroom	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.
toilet	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.

Examples of usage

I need to use the bathroom.
The bathroom is upstairs.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a public place

A room or building equipped with one or more toilets and sinks for use by the public.

Synonyms

lavatory, restroom, toilet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bathroom	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?
restroom	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.
lavatory	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.
toilet	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.

Examples of usage

The bathroom in this restaurant is very clean.
Please use the bathroom before we leave.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'bathroom' combines 'bath,' which dates back to the Old English 'bæð,' meaning a place to bathe, and 'room,' a space within a home.
Historically, the concept of a bathroom evolved from public baths in ancient civilizations like Rome, where hygiene was important.
In the 19th century, bathrooms started to appear in homes, reflecting changes in social attitudes toward hygiene and comfort.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, bathrooms are spaces for privacy and reflection, often designed for relaxation, like in spa settings.
Certain countries have unique bathroom customs, such as in Japan, where some public toilets come with high-tech features for comfort and cleanliness.
Architecturally, bathrooms often showcase personal style through tiles, fixtures, and decor, turning a utilitarian space into an aesthetic experience.

Science

Bathrooms are often the most humid areas in a home; proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and maintain air quality.
Research has shown that a clean and well-organized bathroom can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health and well-being.
The average person spends about 1.5 years of their life in the bathroom, highlighting its significance in daily routines.

Psychology

For many, bathrooms serve as personal sanctuaries where they can unwind and have some alone time, contributing to mental wellness.
The act of cleaning oneself in a bathroom can be associated with rituals of renewal and self-care, promoting positive emotional states.
Environmental factors, such as lighting and scents in a bathroom, can affect mood and relaxation, making it important for design.

Literature

Bathrooms have been used in literature as metaphors for cleansing or transformation, symbolizing a character's mental or moral change.
Notable authors often include bathroom scenes to depict vulnerability or the need for privacy, emphasizing the importance of these spaces in daily life.
Poets have described the act of bathing or washing in a bathroom as a release, linking it to deeper themes of renewal and reflection.

Translations

Translations of the word "bathroom" in other languages:

🇵🇹 banheiro

🇮🇳 बाथरूम

🇩🇪 Badezimmer

🇮🇩 kamar mandi

🇺🇦 ванна кімната

🇵🇱 łazienka

🇯🇵 バスルーム

🇫🇷 salle de bain

🇪🇸 cuarto de baño

🇹🇷 banyo

🇰🇷 욕실

🇸🇦 حمام

🇨🇿 koupelna

🇸🇰 kúpeľňa

🇨🇳 浴室

🇸🇮 kopalnica

🇮🇸 baðherbergi

🇰🇿 ванна бөлмесі

🇬🇪 აბაზანა

🇦🇿 vanna otağı

🇲🇽 cuarto de baño