En suite, by dictionary definition, means “so as to form a suite”. Other definitions list it as meaning “immediately adjoining or connected”.
Over the years, however, the term has come to mean whatever we may need it to be at the moment.
Realtors will often use the “immediately adjoining” definition to describe sitting areas in the master bedroom as ‘en suite’ or deeming adjoining bathrooms ‘en suite’ as well.
The term has a bit of an interesting history during the 20th century. A set of two or more rooms that make up a single accommodation was typically referred to as rooms “en suite”. However, the word ensuite referred to something completely different: later or then.
To avoid confusion, English landlords began placing the term in front of the noun instead of the traditional ‘rooms en suite’. En suite bath flowed much better and has remained the standard way to describe the set-up.
The term has caught on in America in recent years, often used to make real estate or hotel rooms sound more appealing.
Master bedrooms with an en suite sitting area has become a popular addition, as it adds a supplementary area to relax aside from the living room. En suite bathrooms are a true luxury for primary residents and guests alike for the purpose of not having to walk throughout the house every time you need to use the bathroom.
Regardless of what you use the term to describe, just know that having en suite attached to any room in your home is a bonus.