latrine

noun

la·​trine lə-ˈtrēn How to pronounce latrine (audio)
1
: a receptacle (such as a pit in the earth) for use as a toilet
2

Examples of latrine in a Sentence

where's the nearest latrine, soldier?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The campsite included pit latrines and a dumpster, but no running water. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025 Instead, worker ants who are on latrine duty collect the poop and carry it to the toilet chamber, which is located far away from other parts of the nest. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 14 June 2025 The camps were surrounded by open-pit latrines, and the smell of sewage was overpowering; children lay around with flies on them. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Through partners, 150 twin latrine units and handwashing facilities will be installed in Mandalay town to further improve sanitation services. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for latrine

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin latrina, contraction of lavatrina, from lavare to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of latrine was in 1642

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Latrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latrine. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

latrine

noun
la·​trine lə-ˈtrēn How to pronounce latrine (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on latrine

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