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

The new restroom building will have a surf shack theme and several all-gender toilets, as well as outdoor lavatories and drinking fountains. —Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025

According to Jones, flight attendants will deploy it when a pilot exits the cockpit to use the lavatory or for any other reason. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Aviation labor unions have long argued following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that secondary barriers were needed to protect the flight deck when pilots had to open the door – such as to access the lavatory. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

The main level includes a living room, dining room, breakfast nook, butler’s pantry, guest lavatory, and private office. —Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 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