restroom
- 01 A2 Elementary
a room in a public building that has toilets and sinks for washing your hands.
a public facility containing toilets and hand-washing stations. This term is the standard polite designation in North American English.
Simple“Excuse me, could you tell me where the restroom is?”
In context“The restaurant manager ensured that the restrooms were cleaned every hour to maintain a high standard of hygiene for the guests.”
UsageThe word is almost always used in the singular when referring to a specific facility, even if it contains multiple stalls.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that 'restroom' is the preferred polite term in the US, whereas 'toilet' can sound too direct or even slightly crude in social situations.
PitfallWhere is the water closet? Where is the restroom?While 'water closet' (WC) is understood in some places, 'restroom' is the most natural and polite term to use in the United States.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a room in a building where people can go to sit and relax.
a room specifically designated for physical rest or relaxation, often found in historical contexts or specific workplaces.
Simple“The old factory had a small restroom where workers could sit during their break.”
In context“In the original architectural plans for the library, a quiet restroom was included for staff to use during their long shifts.”
Teacher's tipThis literal sense is rarely used today; modern speakers will almost always assume you are talking about a toilet.
Synonymsloungebreakroom
From rest + room, from an earlier sense of "breakroom".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.