Cloakroom - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

public facility

A cloakroom is a room or area in a public building, such as a theater, restaurant, or gym, where coats, bags, and other personal belongings can be checked or stored. It serves as a convenience for patrons, allowing them to enjoy events without carrying their outerwear or items. In some instances, cloakrooms may be associated with a fee for service. The cloakroom may also provide lockers for more secure storage. It typically features a ticketing system to ensure items are correctly returned to their owners.

Synonyms

coat check, luggage room, wardrobe.

Examples of usage

Please leave your coats in the cloakroom.
The theater has a cloakroom for patrons.
You can pick up your things at the cloakroom after the show.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, cloakrooms served ceremonial purposes, symbolizing the transition from the outside world to a more refined space.
In British theaters, cloakrooms are integral to the patron experience, offering convenience and security during performances.
Some upscale restaurants feature elaborate cloakrooms that enhance the dining experience with style and service.

Architecture

Cloakrooms are designed with functional layouts, often equipped with hooks, benches, and mirrors to accommodate guests comfortably.
In modern architecture, cloakrooms can double as changing areas, especially in venues for performances and events.
Ranging from simple to lavish, their design often reflects the overall decor of the building they complement.

Psychology

The act of checking items in a cloakroom may reduce anxiety, allowing visitors to enjoy their experience without the burden of personal belongings.
Cloakrooms serve as a social space, often where people interact while waiting for their belongings, fostering connections and conversation.
Leaving an outer garment behind can symbolize shedding worries, allowing individuals to engage more fully in the environment.

Modern Usage

Today, in many public venues, cloakrooms have evolved into coat checks where paid staff manage the storage and retrieval of items.
With increasing focus on security, some cloakrooms now integrate technology like ticketing systems to streamline the process.
In certain places, cloakrooms also offer locker facilities, adapting to the needs of a more mobile society.

Origin of 'cloakroom'

Main points about word origin

The term 'cloakroom' originated in the 19th century, combining 'cloak' (a type of coat) and 'room', referring to a place to store such garments.
Initially, it served as a feature in high-class homes or venues, reflecting the fashion and customs of the time.
As society evolved, the concept expanded to include storage for various types of outerwear beyond cloaks.

The word 'cloakroom' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'cloak', which refers to an outer garment, and 'room', indicating a space designated for a specific purpose. The term 'cloak' itself derives from Middle English 'clokke', from Old French 'cloque', which means a covering or cloak. This earlier term can be traced further back to Latin 'clocca', meaning bell, likely referencing the sound of bells that might signal the closing or opening of ceremonies requiring formal attire. Historically, cloakrooms became particularly prevalent in public venues where patrons needed a place to leave cumbersome garments before engaging in social activities, thus facilitating comfort and mobility. With the rise of urbanization and the popularity of public events in the 19th century, the cloakroom emerged as a standard feature in theaters, opera houses, and hotels to cater to the needs of the public. Today, the cloakroom remains a common presence in places of social gathering, evolving to include modern variations such as coat checks and storage lockers.

Cloakroom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations