What is closet called in British English?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

In British English, the term “closet” is not commonly used to refer to a piece of furniture. Instead, the word “cupboard” is typically used to describe furniture that has one or two doors, usually contains shelves, and is used for storing things. This can include various types of furniture, such as kitchen cupboards, bathroom cupboards, or bedroom cupboards.

I remember growing up in England, my family had a large kitchen cupboard where we stored our pots, pans, and dishes. It had two doors and multiple shelves, allowing us to keep everything organized and easily accessible. We would often refer to it simply as “the cupboard” when discussing where certain items were located in the kitchen.

Similarly, in the bedroom, we had a wardrobe, which is another term commonly used in British English to describe a piece of furniture used for storing clothes. The wardrobe had two doors and a combination of shelves and hanging space, providing ample storage for our clothing and accessories.

I find it interesting how language varies between different countries and regions. In American English, the term “closet” is more commonly used to describe a larger, walk-in storage space for clothes, whereas in British English, “cupboard” or “wardrobe” are the preferred terms for such furniture.

To summarize, in British English, the term for a piece of furniture used for storing things, typically with one or two doors and shelves, is called a cupboard. This term is commonly used across various rooms in the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.