Etymology

ladies' room

Today it means: A room belonging to or intended for some or all women, particularly Full definition →

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The story

Originally in reference to any chamber or suite reserved for the use of women, whether public or private. Popularized by its use as a clipped form of ladies' waiting room in reference to gender-separated facilities at train stations, etc. Its use in reference to lavatories replaced other euphemisms including cloak room, lavatory room, toilet room, private room, etc.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.