Word
restroom
Phoneticsre·stroom, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛsˌtɹum/
UK/ɹˈɛstɹuːm/
Definitions
01public toilet
A2 · Elementary Countable noun American English
n. a room in a public building that has toilets and sinks for washing your hands.
n. a public facility containing toilets and hand-washing stations. This term is the standard polite designation in North American English.
“Excuse me, could you tell me where the restroom is?”
“The restaurant manager ensured that the restrooms were cleaned every hour to maintain a high standard of hygiene for the guests.”
Usage
The word is almost always used in the singular when referring to a specific facility, even if it contains multiple stalls.
Pitfall
Where 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.
Teaching tip
Learners 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.
02room for resting
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. a room in a building where people can go to sit and relax.
n. a room specifically designated for physical rest or relaxation, often found in historical contexts or specific workplaces.
“The old factory had a small restroom where workers could sit during their break.”
“In the original architectural plans for the library, a quiet restroom was included for staff to use during their long shifts.”
Teaching tip
This literal sense is rarely used today; modern speakers will almost always assume you are talking about a toilet.
Synonyms
Etymology
From rest + room, from an earlier sense of "breakroom".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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