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

• bathroom
• restroom
• toilet

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

No waste receptacles provided near the handwashing lavatories. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2025

Of course, there are the obvious times when the lavatory is off-limits (during takeoff and landing, and when the seatbelt sign is on), but when is the best time to use the bathroom on a plane? —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025

The girl’s father confronted Thompson, who then reportedly locked himself in the lavatory with his iPhone for three to five minutes before the flight’s descent into Boston. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 July 2025

The 18-year-old asked her to go into the women’s restroom to get toilet paper for him, as there was none left in the men’s lavatory. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

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

Rhymes for lavatory

• allegory
• amatory
• auditory
• category
• clerestory
• crematory
• desultory
• dilatory
• dormitory
• excretory
• extempore
• feudatory

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