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 of lavatory

• 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

However, for long-haul trips, pilots need to leave the cockpit for meals, to use the lavatory or switch seats with a relief pilot. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

The seat belt sign just clicked off, your coffee is catching up with you and the lavatory at the front of the cabin already has two people waiting outside it. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Window seats in the front half of the plane are preferred for quicker boarding and deplaning, while spots near the galley or lavatory are best avoided. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

Flight attendants emphasize closing the toilet lid before flushing to help limit the spread of germs in tight airplane lavatories. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026

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
• feudatory
• gustatory

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