lavatory

noun

lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

 British  -və-t(ə-)rē

plural lavatories

1

: a vessel (such as a basin) for washing

especially : a fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe for washing

2

: a room with conveniences for washing and usually with one or more toilets

the airplane's lavatory

3

: toilet sense 1a

lavatory adjective

Synonyms

• bath
• bathroom
• bog [British]
• can
• cloakroom [British]
• comfort station
• convenience [chiefly British]
• head
• john
• latrine
• loo [chiefly British]
• potty
• restroom
• toilet
• washroom
• water closet

Examples of lavatory in a Sentence

a wide choice of lavatories on sale at plumbing supply stores

the school's filthy, broken-down lavatories were a disgrace

Recent Examples on the Web

After boarding was completed and just before the aircraft doors were secured, the man made his way to the back of the aircraft and entered the lavatory there, according to the complaint. —Pete Muntean, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Federal prosecutors accused Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, of filming a 14-year-old girl on a flight to Boston last September and possessing recordings of four other girls using airplane lavatories. —Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 18 May 2024

The flight was not sold out, and she was discovered when a flight attendant became concerned that the woman was making frequent and lengthy visits to various lavatories aboard the Boeing 767-400ER, according to a source familiar with the incident. —Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2024

Hands Free With full showers, skylights, and large vanities gracing the lavatories of the most luxe business jets today, what could be next? —Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lavatorie, from Medieval Latin lavatorium, from Latin lavare to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lavatory

• lavatory paper

Kids Definition

lavatory

noun

lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈlav-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

plural lavatories

1

: a basin for washing

especially : a small sink with running water and drainpipe

2

: a room with lavatories and usually with toilets

3

: toilet sense 2b

Etymology

Middle English lavatorie "basin for washing," from Latin lavatorium (same meaning), derived from earlier lavare "to wash" — related to laundry, lavish, lotion