checkroom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Public
Quick answer
What does “checkroom” mean?
A room where coats, bags, or parcels can be left temporarily for safekeeping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A room where coats, bags, or parcels can be left temporarily for safekeeping.
A facility, often found in museums, theatres, hotels, or restaurants, where patrons can deposit personal items and receive a claim ticket for later retrieval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'checkroom' is predominantly American English. In British English, 'cloakroom' is more common for a place to leave coats and bags. 'Coat check' (noun) is also used in AmE.
Connotations
In AmE, 'checkroom' is standard and neutral for a service. In BrE, 'cloakroom' carries the same core meaning but also can be a euphemism for a public toilet, adding potential for confusion.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE for this specific context. Low to medium frequency in BrE, where 'cloakroom' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “checkroom” in a Sentence
leave [something] in/at the checkroomcheck [something] into the checkroomretrieve [something] from the checkroomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checkroom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please cloak your umbrella.
- We were asked to cloak our large bags.
American English
- You'll need to check your backpack.
- They checked our coats for us.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- The cloakroom facilities were adequate.
- A cloakroom attendant was on duty.
American English
- The checkroom fee was two dollars.
- Look for the checkroom counter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a customer service facility in hospitality or events.
Academic
Rarely used; might appear in texts about hospitality management or public space design.
Everyday
Used when visiting venues like museums or theatres. 'Where is the checkroom?'
Technical
Used in facility planning, security protocols (for item storage).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “checkroom”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “checkroom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checkroom”
- Using 'checkroom' to mean a room for verifying things (e.g., 'The quality checkroom'). Confusing it with 'changing room' or 'locker room'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A checkroom is for temporary storage of personal items. A changing room is for trying on clothes or changing for sports.
'Coat check' often refers specifically to the service or counter itself, while 'checkroom' emphasizes the physical room. They are frequently used interchangeably.
It depends on the venue. Some are free, especially in restaurants or theatres. Museums and some public venues may charge a small fee.
The most direct equivalent is 'cloakroom'. However, note that 'cloakroom' can also mean a public toilet in British English, so context is key.
A room where coats, bags, or parcels can be left temporarily for safekeeping.
Checkroom is usually formal/public in register.
Checkroom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekruːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekˌruːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly related]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You CHECK your coat in a ROOM.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFEGUARDING IS DEPOSITING (You ensure safety by temporarily giving something away).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely synonym for 'checkroom' in American English?