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
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.
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 As for the plane itself, TCS has created a custom Airbus A321 with a spacious cabin that offers leather flatbed seats for up to 52 guests, large lavatories, and full-length mirrors. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025 No waste receptacles provided near the handwashing lavatories. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 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 See All Example Sentences for lavatory

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lavatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavatory. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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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