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

The all-electric passenger version seats up to 10 in a business-class layout or six in a VIP configuration, with lavatories, climate control, ambient lighting, and oversized windows. —Omar Kardoudi may 27, New Atlas, 27 May 2026

The 60 spacious rooms and 30 suites are all equally stylish with luxurious, 300-thread-count bed linen and high-tech Japanese lavatories. —Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 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

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

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