Definition of dormitory

The word "dormitory" has a fascinating etymology. It originated in the 15th century from the Latin "dormitorium," meaning "bedchamber" or "sleeping room." The Latin term was derived from "dormire," which means "to sleep." Over time, the word evolved into "dormitory" and initially referred to a private bedroom or sleeping quarters, not specifically a room in a school or college building. It wasn't until the 18th century that the term "dormitory" began to refer to a shared sleeping space for students, typically in a boarding school or university setting. This shift in meaning likely arose from the rise of boarding schools and the need for a term to describe the shared living quarters for students. Today, the word "dormitory" is commonly used to refer to students' living quarters in educational institutions.