English

Noun

men's

1. possessive case of men: belonging to some or all male humans.
2. Short for men’s room: a lavatory intended for use by men.
   • 1898, The Hotel/Motor Hotel Monthly, Vol. 6, p. 27:

     A gents' toilet room might be found in a house that caters for the cheaper class of theatrical patronage, where the slangy language of the "goin' to the mat this aft?" style prevails. A gents toilet room is not found in the Southern Hotel. It either "men's" or "gentlemen's".

3. Short for men's department: an area selling clothing for adult males in a department store.

Usage notes

Distinguished from man's, which as a collective noun, refers to all mankind in every gender. Not to be used as a form of men, the simple plural.

Synonyms

• (facility for urination and defecation): See Wikisaurus:bathroom

See also

• Appendix:Special uses of possessives in English

Adjective

men's ‎(not comparable)

1. Intended for use by men.

Synonyms

• gentlemen's, gents'; gents (UK)

Coordinate terms

• (all senses): women's, ladies'