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

Flight attendants say timing is everything, and the difference between a smooth trip to the lavatory and a frustrating standoff with a beverage cart often comes down to a few key moments during the flight. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

The seat belt sign just clicked off, your coffee is catching up with you and the lavatory at the front of the cabin already has two people waiting outside it. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Officials found three passengers in the cabin and their suspect hiding in the lavatory, Bali immigration authorities said in a statement. —CBS News, 11 June 2026

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

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