washroom

See also: wash room

English

Etymology

From wash +‎ room in reference to its sinks, but generally used euphemistically outside of Canada and the United States.

Pronunciation

• (Canada) IPA^(key): /ˈwɒʃrʊm/, /ˈwɒʃruːm/

Noun

washroom (plural washrooms)

1. A room intended to wash the face and hands.
   • 1960 December, “New G.E. Line diesel loco maintenance depot at Stratford”, in Trains Illustrated, page 767:

     Bright, modern offices, washrooms and messrooms are located in the centre block.

2. (Canada, rarely US, euphemistic) A room with a toilet, particularly a public toilet.

Usage notes

The term originated in the US but has been largely replaced by restroom except in certain regions of the country. It continues to be the most common word for a public facility in Canadian English.

Synonyms

• (room with a sink): lavatory
• (room with a toilet): See Thesaurus:bathroom

Hypernyms

• room

Derived terms

• go to the washroom
• use the washroom

 

Translations

toilet — see toilet