cloakroom
cloakroom Lexical Profile
cloakroom Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A room in a public building, school, or theater where people can leave their coats, hats, and luggage temporarily.
"Please leave your wet umbrellas and heavy winter coats in the cloakroom before entering the concert hall."
British A polite term for a small lavatory or restroom, either in a public building or on the ground floor of a private house.
"The ground-floor layout includes a spacious kitchen, a dining area, and a small downstairs cloakroom for guests."
American A lounge adjacent to a legislative chamber, such as in the United States Congress, where members can relax and confer privately.
"Several senators gathered in the cloakroom to negotiate a compromise before the final floor vote."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 19th century as a compound of 'cloak' (from Old Northern French 'cloque', meaning 'bell' or 'bell-shaped garment') and 'room' (from Old English 'rum', meaning 'space').