- By Bornika Das
- Wed, 19 Nov 2025 04:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World Toilet Day 2025: November 19 marks the observance of World Toilet Day, annually to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and the importance of maintaining safe and accessible toilets for all globally. The day serves as a reminder of how basic sanitation plays a crucial role in global public health, dignity and environmental protection. It also highlights the needs of thousands of people who still lack access to safe sanitation. A Singaporean philanthropist, Jack Sim, founded the NGO World Toilet Organisation (WTO) on 19 November to inform the public about global sanitation challenges. Finally, on 14 July 2013, the UN officially declared 19 November as World Toilet Day. On World Toilet Day 2025, let’s break the most googled confusion about bathroom, washroom and restroom.
While the everyday terms, including bathroom, washroom and restroom, are used interchangeably, they are different culturally and linguistically. As people have geared up to celebrate World Toilet Day 2025 theme, “Sanitation in a changing world,” we are ready to guide you through the viral debate between bathroom, washroom and restroom, with each carrying a unique history and regional flavour.
Bathroom vs Washroom vs Restroom: Key Differences Explained
What Is Bathroom?
1. This is a private room in your home that contains a toilet, a sink and a bathtub or shower.
2. It is mainly used for bathing as well as toileting and washing, including personal use and grooming.
ALSO READ: World Toilet Day 2025: 40+ Inspiring Quotes on Hygiene, Dignity And Sanitation
3. Bathrooms are hardly public facilities and are primarily found in residences, offering more privacy and comfort features like sinks, mirrors and cabinets.
4. Bathroom is a commonly used term in the USA, the UK and India.
Bathroom vs Washroom vs Restroom (Image Credits: Canva)
What Is Washroom?
1. A washroom is a more commonly used term in public facilities such as office buildings, malls or airports.
2.It refers to a space that contains toilets and sinks and does not have bathing facilities like a tub or shower.
3. Many washrooms are divided into sections for men and women separately and are strictly used for a more functional and clean environment, like washing hands or relieving oneself.
4. Washroom is commonly used in countries like Canada and India.
What Is Restroom?
1. A restroom applies specifically to a public toilet facility where people but rest in public.
2. Restroom is mainly found in public or commercial situations, such as malls, restaurants, theatres and airports.
3. It is mostly a formal public toilet that contains toilets and sinks, but no bathing facilities. It is intended for brief use and comfort and is equipped with stalls, baby-changing stations and others.
4. Restroom is a common term used in the United States.
World Toilet Day 2025 serves as a reminder that sanitation is a matter of survival and dignity. However, the terms - bathroom, washroom and restroom reflect cleanliness, comfort, privacy and respect.
