washroom

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See also: wash room

English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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  • (Canada) IPA(key): /ˈwɒʃrʊm/, /ˈwɒʃruːm/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

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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

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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

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Hypernyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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