cloak-room

cloak-room

A woman leaves her coat in the cloak-room at the theater.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A room where coats, hats, and other outerwear may be temporarily stored: A "cloak-room" is a designated area, typically in a theater, restaurant, or public building, where guests can leave their outer garments for safekeeping.
    • A luggage storage area: In some contexts, especially in British English, a "cloak-room" can also refer to a facility at a railway station or airport where baggage is held temporarily.
    • A euphemism for a toilet or restroom: In British English, "cloak-room" is sometimes used politely to refer to a lavatory, particularly in formal or public settings.
Usage Examples

  • Outerwear storage:

    • We left our jackets in the cloak-room before entering the concert hall. (We deposited our coats in the designated storage area.)
    • The theater has a cloak-room near the main entrance. (A room for keeping outer garments is located by the door.)

  • Luggage storage:

    • Passengers can deposit their suitcases in the station cloak-room for a small fee. (Travelers may leave their luggage in a secure area at the railway station.)

  • Restroom reference:

    • Excuse me, where is the cloak-room? (A polite way to ask for the restroom or toilet.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to check something in the cloak-room": to leave an item (such as a coat or bag) in the care of staff at a cloak-room.
    • She checked her umbrella in the cloak-room before the performance. (She handed her umbrella to the attendant for safekeeping.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Cloak (n): a loose outer garment, such as a coat or cape.
    • He wore a black cloak over his shoulders. (He had a long, sleeveless outer garment.)
  • Cloakroom attendant (n): a person who works in a cloak-room, responsible for storing items.
    • The cloakroom attendant handed us a ticket for our coats. (The staff member gave us a receipt for our outerwear.)
Synonyms
  • Checkroom: a room where items (like coats or baggage) are left for temporary storage.
  • Luggage office: a place at a station or airport for storing baggage.
  • Restroom (euphemistic): a polite term for a toilet, similar to "cloak-room" in this sense.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms