cloakroom

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cloakroom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a room in which people store their coats and other outerwear. It can also be used to refer to the collection of items people leave behind, such as at a coat check. Example sentence: We should check the cloakroom for our coats before we leave.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a cloakroom nearby, an English girl was doing her hair; she dropped her comb in terror.

The Economist

Each floor in each cylinder was reserved for a special function: bedrooms, living rooms, office, kitchen, cloakroom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Zaha hasn't finished the cloakroom yet," apologised the manager, as we bundled coats and bags under our wobbly table, rather ruining the effect of all that stark whiteness.

Independent

Asked what she would do with her balloon hat, she replied: "I've got to check it into the cloakroom - but it's quite robust so it should be all right".

Independent

At the front of the main sitting room, reclaimed double doors open out on to the entrance hall, a cloakroom and a new staircase in the side extension.

Independent

Plant Heritage operates the cloakroom, which is on Ranelagh Gardens near the London Gate (the Royal Hospital entrance).

Independent

This afternoon, I'll be working as a volunteer – as I do every year at Chelsea – in the cloakroom, which is run by the gardening charity Plant Heritage.

Independent

Summer Sonic have introduced super tickets that cost 30,000 yen (£200) and include the use of a cloakroom, a drink, a "good view" and – best of all – a fast lane to the merchandise stall.

Independent

By 15, Strange was working in London for Pistols' manager Malcolm McClaren before he set up Blitz, where a yet unknown Boy George was worked in the cloakroom.

Independent

"Had I not bumped into Lakshmi Mittal, for the first time, in a Davos cloakroom, we would not be where we are today," Johnson recalled.

Independent

Nathan Armes, a third year Psychology student at the University of Hertfordshire, works as a cloakroom attendant at his Student Union and hasn't encountered any difficulties in balancing this job with his studies.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events or venues, specify whether the "cloakroom" is staffed or self-service to avoid confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "cloakroom" exclusively to refer to a bathroom in American English, as it's primarily understood as a place to store coats. In American English you may want to use "half-bath" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cloakroom" is as a noun. It denotes a specific type of room or facility designed for storing outerwear or luggage, or as a lavatory. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cloakroom" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a room for storing coats, luggage, or sometimes, a small lavatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and common, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedic contexts. While "cloakroom" is widely understood, it's essential to consider regional variations; in American English, "coatroom" or "checkroom" may be more common for coat storage, and "powder room" for a small lavatory. Related terms include "coat check" and "left luggage office". When using "cloakroom", ensure the context clarifies its specific purpose—whether for coats, luggage, or as a lavatory—to avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coatroom

A more general term for a room specifically designed for storing coats and outerwear.

coat check

Refers specifically to a service or area where coats are checked and stored, often in restaurants or theaters.

checkroom

Similar to coat check, but can encompass storage of various items, not just coats.

left luggage office

A facility, often found in train stations or airports, where luggage can be stored temporarily.

baggage room

A room or area designated for storing baggage, typically in transportation hubs.

luggage storage

Emphasizes the act of storing luggage, rather than the room itself.

lost and found

Area for items that have been misplaced or left behind. While not the same as a cloakroom, it serves for the temporary storage of personal belongings.

baggage claim

An area at an airport where passengers can retrieve their checked baggage.

powder room

Implies a small secondary lavatory, closely related to one of the meanings of cloakroom.

men's room

A public toilet facility for men, sometimes referred to as a cloakroom.

FAQs

How to use "cloakroom" in a sentence?

You can use "cloakroom" to refer to a room for storing coats and bags, as in "Please leave your umbrellas in the cloakroom". It can also refer to a small lavatory.

What can I say instead of "cloakroom"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "coat check", "left luggage office", or "powder room".

Is "cloakroom" a British or American term?

"Cloakroom" is commonly used in British English. In American English, "coatroom" or "checkroom" are more frequently used for coat storage, and "powder room" for a small lavatory.

What's the difference between "cloakroom" and "coatroom"?

"Coatroom" specifically refers to a room for storing coats. "Cloakroom" can refer to a coatroom, a luggage storage area, or a small lavatory, making it a broader term.