powder room

noun

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of powder room

1 : a restroom for women

2 : a lavatory in the main living area of a house

See powder room defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of powder room from the Web

There’s also a corner library, a powder room with midnight blue Venetian plaster walls, a dining room and an entire bedroom wing.

— katherine clarke, WSJ, "Matt Lauer Lists Manhattan Apartment for $7.35 Million," 2 Apr. 2018
In a touch that was popular in old Grosse Pointe entertaining, guests are met by two separate powder rooms on opposite sides of the foyer — a men’s and a women’s.

— judy rose, Detroit Free Press, "House Envy: 1937 Grosse Pointe Farms home keeps classic features, adds modern updates," 31 Mar. 2018
The unit has a private elevator landing that opens to a stately gallery with a black-and-white checkered floor and a powder room.

— vivian marino, New York Times, "Family of Christine Beshar, Trailblazing Lawyer, Selling Co-op," 29 Mar. 2018
In the powder room, the sink and stand are by Kreoo, the fittings are by Fantini, the mirror is by Arteriors, and the wallpaper is from Ireland’s line.

— booth moore, ELLE Decor, "Tour Kathryn M. Ireland’s Santa Monica Home That's Big On Bohemian Decor," 6 Mar. 2018
The main level includes a formal living area and family room, formal dining room, office, guest room with full bath, laundry room, workout room, powder room and master suite.

— azcentral, "AZ Memo: Arizona car registration could cost you more soon + 3 other things to read this morning," 5 Mar. 2018
When the governor's Lansing residence was being renovated in 2003, Berman inspired the women's powder room to become the Women's Power Room, decorated with gray flannel fabric and photos of women who played important roles in Michigan history.

— ann zaniewski, Detroit Free Press, "Maxine Berman, former state rep and women's advocate, dies," 2 Mar. 2018
The five-story, 25-foot-wide brick house has 18 rooms, including six bedrooms, seven full baths and two powder rooms.

— vivian marino, New York Times, "Triplex Fit for a Prince, and Owned by One, Finally Sells," 1 Mar. 2018
In total, the house has nine fulls baths and six powder rooms.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "$2 million surge in 2 years: Wiederhorn's foreclosed mansion sells for $4 million (photos)," 26 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'powder room.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of powder room

1927

POWDER ROOM Defined for English Language Learners

powder room

noun

Definition of powder room for English Language Learners

: a small bathroom especially for guests that has a toilet and sink but not a bathtub or shower
: a public bathroom for women in a restaurant, hotel, etc.