在13世纪初，“改变”的意思逐渐演变为“变更”或“替换”。到14世纪中期，这个词又被用来表示“用一种东西替代另一种东西的行为”。它源自动词 change。而 Changing-room 这个词最早出现在1852年，最初是指矿工、火药厂工人等在工作前更换衣物的地方。
[A]lso not any fires or smoking are to be allowed ; and, under no pretense whatsoever, is any lucifer match to be permitted on board ; and, to guard against the infringement of this order, the clothes with pockets in them are to be taken off in changing room, or examined before beginning the work. [from British navy regulations for loading and storing gunpowder, Office of Ordnance, June 5, 1852]
[A]lso not any fires or smoking are to be allowed; and, under no pretense whatsoever, is any lucifer match to be permitted on board; and, to guard against the infringement of this order, the clothes with pockets in them are to be taken off in changing room, or examined before beginning the work. [摘自1852年6月5日英国海军关于装载和储存火药的规定，军械局]