lavatory

noun lav·a·to·ry \ ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē , British -və-t(ə-)rē \

Updated on: 5 May 2018

Definition of lavatory

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 1a

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lavatory

adjective

See lavatory defined for English-language learners

See lavatory defined for kids

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 of lavatory from the Web

Other changes could include larger overhead bins and new lavatories, depending on the aircraft.

— lauren zumbach, chicagotribune.com, "United speeds rollout of lie-flat seats, other Polaris business-class perks," 25 Apr. 2018
The 13 children found malnourished and shackled in their Perris, California home were allegedly deprived of many things by their parents including regular meals, access to lavatories, and daily showers.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Journals Kept by 13 Children Allegedly Held Captive Will Be 'Powerful Evidence' Against Parents," 20 Jan. 2018
So how does one keep one's face beat when the lavatory is the size of a broom closet and the carry-on liquid threshold is still a measly 3.4 ounces?

— chelsea peng, Marie Claire, "5 Beauty Secrets of Flight Attendants," 8 June 2017
The wait for using the lavatory at the front was 3.1 minutes, but those who went to the back spent only 1.7 minutes on the queue.

— nicholas bakalar, New York Times, "How Not to Get Sick on a Plane? Choose Your Seat Wisely," 22 Mar. 2018
It may be tucked away in a former public lavatory, but don’t let that put you off.

— tom marchant, Harper's BAZAAR, "103 Things to Do, See, Eat and Shop in London," 7 Dec. 2017
Indeed, Camilla’s true feelings about Diana could be gleaned simply by asking to use the guest lavatory at her home, Ray Mill, in Wiltshire.

— kenzie bryant, Vanities, "What’s the Deal with Camilla, Diana, and Prince Charles’s Bathroom Warfare?," 21 Mar. 2018
Waiting for, using or leaving the lavatory were the most common movements of passengers, followed by checking the overhead bin.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Your chances of getting sick in the air soar if your neighbor is ill," 19 Mar. 2018
Consider that a recent article detailed how American’s new Boeing 737 MAX jets have just 30 inches of seat pitch, reduced recline and smaller lavatories.

— bill mcgee, USA TODAY, "Eight disturbing travel trends you’ll confront in 2018," 31 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lavatory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lavatory

Middle English lavatorie, from Medieval Latin lavatorium, from Latin lavare to wash — more at lye

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

lavatory Synonyms

Synonyms

bath, bathroom, head, latrine, potty, restroom, toilet, washroom, water closet;

Related Words

commode;

outhouse, privy;

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

LAVATORY Defined for English Language Learners

lavatory

noun

Definition of lavatory for English Language Learners

: a room with a toilet and sink
: a bathroom sink

LAVATORY Defined for Kids

lavatory

noun lav·a·to·ry \ ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē \

Definition of lavatory for Students

plural lavatories

1 : a small sink (as in a bathroom)

2 : a room for washing that usually has a toilet

3 : toilet 1

Learn More about lavatory

See words that rhyme with lavatory Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lavatory Spanish Central: Translation of lavatory Nglish: Translation of lavatory for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lavatory for Arabic speakers

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lavatory

Definition of lavatory

lavatory

Examples of lavatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples of lavatory from the Web

Origin and Etymology of lavatory

lavatory Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Building Terms

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LAVATORY Defined for English Language Learners

lavatory

Definition of lavatory for English Language Learners

LAVATORY Defined for Kids

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