Bathroom

Definition

Bathroom is a noun that refers to a room in a building or residence equipped with a toilet, sink, and usually a bathtub or shower, used for personal hygiene activities. In some regions, "bathroom" may also refer specifically to a room with a toilet, even if it lacks a bath or shower.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbæθˌrum/ or /ˈbæθˌrʊm/
• Respelling: BATH-room or BATH-ruhm

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːθˌruːm/
• Respelling: BAH-th-room

Etymology

The word "bathroom" is a compound of "bath" and "room," originating in the late 18th century. The term initially referred to a room equipped specifically for bathing, though its meaning expanded to include spaces with toilets and sinks as homes and public buildings modernized.

Derivatives

• Bathroomed (adjective, rare)
• Bathrooming (verb, rare)
• Half-bath (noun)
• Bathroomette (noun, diminutive form)
• Restroom (synonymous term, noun)

Synonyms

• Restroom
• Lavatory
• Washroom

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "bathroom" is commonly used in residential and public contexts to refer to a room equipped for personal hygiene activities. For example, "The bathroom is down the hall," or "She installed new bathroom fixtures."

Related Terms

• Shower: A fixture for bathing that sprays water.
• Sink: A basin for washing, often installed in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Toilet: A fixture used for the disposal of bodily waste.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A room containing a toilet, sink, and typically a bathtub or shower: Refers to a designated space for hygiene and bathing purposes.
  • Example: "The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom."
• In some regions, a room containing a toilet, regardless of the presence of a bath or shower: Used especially in North America to describe any restroom facility.
  • Example: "She asked where the bathroom was in the restaurant."