Bathroom vs. Restroom — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 28, 2023
A bathroom primarily refers to a room with a bath or shower, while a restroom is a public toilet facility. Both can have toilets, but only bathrooms typically have bathtubs or showers.
Difference Between Bathroom and Restroom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bathroom is a room within a residence that typically contains fixtures like a sink, toilet, and most notably, a bathtub or shower. This room serves the dual purpose of personal hygiene and relaxation. Restroom, on the other hand, is a term more commonly associated with public spaces. While it can house similar facilities as a bathroom, it often lacks a shower or bath.
When considering the origin of the word "bathroom," the emphasis is on the "bath" aspect, pointing to a room designed for bathing. This term is prevalent in domestic settings. Conversely, the term "restroom" emphasizes a place of rest, which, in this context, means a place to relieve oneself. The restroom is a neutral term that avoids explicitly referring to the functions performed there, making it a more polite term to use, especially in public.
From a design perspective, bathrooms are often more elaborately designed, considering they serve a more diverse purpose in homes, including baths, skincare, and even laundry. Restrooms, especially those in public areas, are more functionally designed. They focus on meeting basic needs and ensuring easy maintenance given the high footfall they experience.
In American English, it's quite common for people to use the term restroom when they're in public places like restaurants, malls, or theaters. This is because, in such contexts, the primary function sought is usually that of a toilet. At home, however, the term bathroom is more prevalent as it encompasses a broader range of hygiene activities beyond just using the toilet.
Internationally, language nuances can play a role. In some cultures or regions, the word bathroom might be used even in public settings. Meanwhile, restroom remains a distinctly American term. Other English-speaking regions might use terms like "loo" or "washroom."
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Personal hygiene and bathing
Relieving oneself
Common Location
Residences
Public places
Contains
Bathtub/shower, sink, toilet
Typically just sink and toilet
Design Consideration
More elaborate and diverse in function
Functional and designed for easy maintenance
Terminology Origin
Emphasis on "bath"
Neutral term for a place of rest
Compare with Definitions
Bathroom
A room in a house containing a bathtub or shower.
After a long day, she liked to relax in the bathroom with a warm bath.
Restroom
A room or small building containing one or more toilets.
Before we start the movie, I need to visit the restroom.
Bathroom
A place for personal cleansing and hygiene activities.
The bathroom was equipped with the latest skincare products.
Restroom
A facility providing only toilet and sink, especially in public places.
The park had a restroom, but there were no showers available.
Bathroom
A bathroom or washroom is a room, typically in a home or other residential building, that contains either a bathtub or a shower (or both). The inclusion of a wash basin is common.
Restroom
A neutral term for a place offering toilet facilities.
If you're looking for the restroom, it's down the hall to the left.
Bathroom
A domestic room containing a toilet.
Could you point me to the bathroom? I need to wash my hands.
Restroom
Restroom is a euphemism for a public toilet, in a publicly accessible location, or less frequently a toilet room, in a private residence. Different dialects use "bathroom" and "restroom" (American English), "bathroom" (usually includes a bathtub or shower) and "washroom" (just toilet and sink) (Canadian English), "comfort room" or "CR" (Filipino English) and "WC" (an initialism for "water closet"), "lavatory" and its abbreviation "lavvy" (British English).
Bathroom
A room containing a bathtub or shower, and usually a toilet and sink.
Restroom
A designated area in public places for individuals to relieve themselves.
Restaurants are generally expected to provide a restroom for patrons.
Bathroom
A room equipped with toilet facilities
Restroom
A public toilet facility.
The mall had clean restrooms on every floor.
Bathroom
A space where one can bathe.
The new apartment had a spacious bathroom with modern fixtures.
Restroom
A room equipped with one or more toilets and sinks for public use.
Bathroom
A room with facilities for washing and usually with one or more toilets.
Their house had two bathrooms, one for guests and one for the family.
Restroom
A room containing a public toilet: a public lavatory.
Could you tell me where I can find the restroom?
Bathroom
A room containing a toilet and sink.
Restroom
A toilet that is available to the public
Bathroom
A room (as in a residence) containing a bath or shower and usually a washbasin and toilet
Bathroom
A room containing a shower and/or bathtub, and typically but not necessarily a toilet.
Bathroom
A lavatory: a room containing a toilet and a bathtub.
Most Americans don't know 'WC' and many Brits mock 'bathroom' but almost everyone understands 'toilet' or 'lavatory'.
Common Curiosities
Is a restroom the same as a bathroom?
While both can have toilets, a bathroom typically includes a bathtub or shower, whereas a restroom does not.
Can I use the term bathroom in a restaurant?
While "restroom" is more common in public places, saying "bathroom" is understood and acceptable.
Are showers found in restrooms?
Typically, restrooms, especially in public, do not have showers. Bathrooms, however, do.
Why do some public places use "bathroom" instead of "restroom"?
Regional language nuances and traditions can influence the terms used.
Which term is more formal, bathroom or restroom?
"Restroom" is often considered more formal or polite, especially in public settings.
Can a house have a restroom?
While homes typically have bathrooms, one might refer to a toilet-only room as a restroom, though it's less common.
Is "restroom" a term used globally?
"Restroom" is predominantly American. Other regions might use "washroom," "loo," or other terms.
Why is it called a restroom?
"Restroom" is a neutral term, emphasizing a place of rest, which refers to a place to relieve oneself.
Do all bathrooms have toilets?
Most bathrooms do, but some might only have bathing facilities.
Do restrooms always have sinks?
Most public restrooms include sinks for handwashing, but configurations can vary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
