'cloakroom' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'cloak' and 'room', where 'cloak' referred to a loose outer garment and 'room' meant a space or chamber.

'cloak' comes from Middle English 'cloke' (from Old North French or similar medieval forms) meaning a loose outer garment, while 'room' comes from Old English 'rūm' meaning 'space'; these combined in modern English to form 'cloakroom'.

Initially, it meant literally 'a room for cloaks', but over time it has retained that core sense while also extending to meanings such as a public lavatory (in some British usage) and a legislative waiting/meeting room.