‘Restroom’ or ‘Bathroom’ or ‘Washroom’: What’s the Difference?

So, you are looking for a description of the difference between 'restoom' vs. 'bathroom' vs. 'washroom.' I can help with that.

Here is the short version in case you are short on time: 

• 'Restroom,' 'bathroom,' and 'washroom' are synonyms. 
• 'Restroom' is used for public facilities in many parts of the United States. 
• 'Bathroom' is a term for a toilet room within a private residence or home. 
• 'Washroom' is the preferred phrase for public toilet facilities in Canada and some northern U.S. states. 

For a more in-depth explanation and tips for when and how to use each term, continue reading!

What's the Difference Between 'Restroom' or 'Bathroom' or 'Washroom?'

The truth is that all three of these terms refer to the same room within a business, home, or other structure. However, there are some places where people tend to prefer one term over the other.

For example, in Canada and other British English-speaking countries, as well as some U.S. states in the north where 'washroom' is commonly used for public restrooms.

In most of the United States, 'restroom' is the most common word for public toilets, and throughout the world, people use the term 'bathroom' for the room or rooms in their home where you go to the restroom and take a shower.

Definition of 'Restroom': What Does 'Restroom' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'restroom' is a noun that means:

• A suite of rooms or a room in a public place where you can find toilets and lavatories

Synonyms of 'Restroom'

• Bathroom
• Loo
• John
• Can
• Washroom
• Lavatory
• Latrine
• Head
• Bog
• Commode
• Pan
• Jake
• Comfort station
• Ladies' room
• Men's room
• Powder room
• Water closet

Definition of 'Bathroom': What Does 'Bathroom' Mean?

The same dictionary defines a 'bathroom' as:

• A space or room within a home containing a tub or shower, sink, and toilet

Synonyms of 'Bathroom'

• Toilet
• Lavatory
• Washroom
• Latrine
• Water closet
• Cloakroom
• Loo
• John
• Bog
• Can
• Head
• Commode
• Convenience
• Pot
• Privy
• Outhouse
• Pan
• Powder room
• Half bath
• Men's room
• Women's room

Definition of 'Washroom': What Does 'Washroom' Mean?

The definition of the noun 'washroom' in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is:

• A room that contains equipment to dispose of or flush bodily waste and wash one's hands

Synonyms of 'Washroom'

• Bathroom
• Lavatory
• Latrine
• Loo
• Bog
• Toilet
• Commode
• Bath
• Potty
• Cloakroom
• Head
• Can
• Commode
• Pot
• Powder room
• Half bath
• John
• Ladies' room
• Men's room

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Restroom' vs. 'Bathroom' vs. 'Washroom'

When you are learning the meanings of words, it is helpful to ensure you know how to pronounce them.

So, here is a brief pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'restroom':

rest-rüm

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'bathroom':

bāth-rüm

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'washroom':

wosh-rüm

As you can see, the beginning of these words differ but their endings are the same.

Writing Tips: How to Use 'Restroom,' 'Bathroom,' and 'Washroom'

You learned that these words are synonyms that you can use interchangeably. However, there are times when one may be more appropriate than the others.

So, here are some tips to help you figure out when to use each.

• Use 'restroom' when you are referring to a public lavatory.

For example, you might hear someone say:

The restroom on the third floor is out of service. So, if you need to go, use the one in the lobby. 

• Use 'bathroom' when you are talking about a room in a private home that contains a toilet, sink, and sometimes a bath or shower.

As an example, you can say:

We are finally remodeling our awful outdated bathroom. 

• Use 'washroom' if you are speaking to a Canadian or British English-speaking audience.

So, you could say:

The colour in that washroom was almost as horrible as the smell. 

• Use 'restroom' when you are addressing an American audience about a public toilet facility.

For example, I might say:

One of the worst things about high school was the disgusting restrooms.

Sample Sentences Using 'Restroom' or 'Bathroom' or 'Washroom'

Restroom

• There has to be something wrong with the flushing sensors in the restroom at the end of the hall because I just heard it flush for the 21st time since I sat down at my desk an hour ago.
• Does anyone have a key to the restroom? The door is locked, and I need to use it.
• If you do not clean that restroom, I am going to write you up.
• You should go to the restroom before we leave.

Bathroom

• I love my new bathroom. It is exactly what I've always wanted.
• The fresh forest candle you have in your bathroom smells wonderful, where did you get it?
• Good morning, I have to go to the bathroom quickly, then, we can head out.
• If you do not clean this bathroom, you are going to be grounded for a week.

Washroom

• The spigot in the washroom has been leaking constantly for the past month.
• The employees were not happy when they found out they would all have to use the same washroom.
• Other than the small washroom at the end of the hall, no other lavatories are working.
• I need to use the washroom quickly before we head out.

Last Look: 'Restroom' or 'Bathroom' or 'Washroom'

Thank you for sticking around. Here is a recap of what you learned about the difference between 'restroom' or 'bathroom' or 'washroom': 

• These terms essentially mean the same thing, however, there are times when one may be more appropriate than the others. 
• 'Restroom' is a term for toilet facilities in a public place that people use in most of the United States. 
• 'Bathroom' is a noun used for the room in a private home where the toilet is found. 
• 'Washroom' is a term people use for public restrooms in Canada and some northern American states. 

There are many terms in the English language called synonyms that have the same meanings. Using synonyms helps to keep your writing engaging. However, it can be challenging to remember if synonyms have identical or similar meanings.

So, if you need clarification on the meanings of similar words like these, you can use this site as a resource. Plus, you can learn about many other grammar rules and topics related to freelance writing.

So, if you want to improve your writing skills and successfully pitch to new clients, take a look at some of the other posts here and come back frequently to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

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