coatroom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumStandard Neutral
Quick answer
What does “coatroom” mean?
A room in a public building where coats and other outer garments can be left temporarily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A room in a public building where coats and other outer garments can be left temporarily.
A space, often near an entrance, dedicated to storing coats, hats, umbrellas, and sometimes bags for visitors. It can be a dedicated room, a closet, or an area with hooks and racks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cloakroom' is the more common equivalent and can also mean a toilet (WC). 'Coatroom' is understood but less frequent. In American English, 'coatroom' is standard, and 'cloakroom' is rare and formal.
Connotations
In American English, 'coatroom' is neutral. In British English, it can sound slightly American. 'Coat check' refers specifically to a staffed facility.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “coatroom” in a Sentence
in the coatroomto the coatroomthrough the coatrooma coatroom for (guests)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coatroom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not a verb in standard use]
American English
- [Not a verb in standard use]
adverb
British English
- [Not an adverb in standard use]
American English
- [Not an adverb in standard use]
adjective
British English
- [Not an adjective in standard use]
American English
- [Not an adjective in standard use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Can be found in office buildings for visitors, often near reception.
Academic
Found at university event venues, theatres, and lecture halls for attendees.
Everyday
Commonly used when visiting a restaurant, theatre, or attending a wedding or party.
Technical
Not a technical term; architectural plans might label it as 'coat storage' or 'cloakroom'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coatroom”
- Using 'cloakroom' in AmE where 'coatroom' is more natural.
- Confusing 'coatroom' with 'coat check' (the latter is a service).
- Spelling as two words: 'coat room' is less standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, they are essentially synonyms for the space, though 'coatroom' is more common. In British English, 'cloakroom' is the standard term and can also mean a toilet.
A 'coatroom' is the physical room or space. A 'coat check' is the service (often with a ticket system) of storing coats, which takes place in a coatroom.
Typically no. In a private home, a space for coats is usually called a 'coat closet', 'entryway closet', or 'mudroom' (in AmE). 'Coatroom' implies a public or semi-public venue.
It is most commonly written as one word ('coatroom') in modern American English, though the hyphenated 'coat-room' and two-word 'coat room' are sometimes seen.
A room in a public building where coats and other outer garments can be left temporarily.
Coatroom is usually standard neutral in register.
Coatroom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊtˌruːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊtˌruːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COAT + ROOM. It's literally a room where you put your coat.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROOM AS HOLDING CONTAINER (for transient possessions).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to have a 'coatroom'?