lavatory

noun

lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio)
 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
lavatory adjective

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 The male passenger, who was traveling from Salt Lake City to New Orleans, ended up stuck in a lavatory for 35 minutes after the door got jammed mid-flight. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Disability advocates say some passengers put their health at risk by dehydrating themselves before a flight, reducing the changes of needing to move to the lavatory. Gregory Wallace, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 Unlike most helicopters, this RAM aircraft includes a lavatory and is still one of the most economical choices its array of capabilities at $14 million. Dan Sloat, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2024 Several passengers on board Flight 1533 said the security concern was a bomb threat written in one of the plane's lavatories, but authorities did not immediately confirm the nature of the threat. Lawrence Yee, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 In Nevada, a stadium like Allegiant is required to provide about one lavatory for every 120 men and one for every 60 women. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 3 Feb. 2024 The bathroom was occupied, and Thompson approached the girl and instead escorted her to the first-class lavatory toward the front of the aircraft, the documents state. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024 As part of a total overhaul of its planes, United Airlines is adding Braille placards to seats and lavatories. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 29 July 2023 The company has designed its Neptune capsule as a spa, with a lounge that includes eight reclining seats, a bar, a lavatory, and large windows to enjoy the view. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lavatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lavatory was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lavatory

Cite this Entry

“Lavatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavatory. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lavatory

noun
lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈlav-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio)
-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
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lavatory

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