powder-room

A woman steps into the powder-room to freshen up.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A women's restroom or lavatory: "powder-room" is a euphemistic term for a public toilet or washroom intended for women, often found in restaurants, theatres, or other public venues. The term originates from the historical practice of women using such rooms to apply or refresh their makeup (powder).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Excuse me, could you tell me where the powder-room is located? (A polite request for the women's restroom.)
  • She excused herself from the dinner table to go to the powder-room. (She left to use the women's lavatory.)

Advanced Usage

• "to powder one's nose": a related euphemism for visiting a restroom, often used by women.
  • She said she needed to powder her nose before the show started. (She needed to use the restroom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Powder (n): a cosmetic substance used on the face or body.

  • She applied powder to her nose to reduce shine. (A cosmetic powder used for makeup.)

• Powdering-room (n): an older, less common synonym for powder-room, referring to a room where one applies powder.

  • The ladies' powdering-room was elegantly decorated. (The women's restroom was ornate.)

Synonyms

• Ladies' room: a restroom specifically for women.
• Restroom: a public toilet facility.
• Washroom: a room with washing and toilet facilities.
• Lavatory: a formal term for a toilet or washroom.

Related Idioms

• No direct idioms use "powder-room" itself, but the phrase "to powder one's nose" is a common idiomatic euphemism:
  • She excused herself to powder her nose. (She left to use the restroom, implying a brief absence.)