lavatory

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

Updated on: 8 Apr 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

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
The lavatories at the back of the plane are located between the passenger seats and the galley where the flight attendants prepare drinks and snacks for the fliers.

— hugo martin, latimes.com, "American Airlines flight attendants complain about the tiny bathrooms on the 737 MAX," 20 Jan. 2018
When both doors to the lavatories are open, the flight attendants are sealed off in the galley, blocking them from getting to the passengers, the flight attendants complained.

— hugo martin, latimes.com, "American Airlines flight attendants complain about the tiny bathrooms on the 737 MAX," 20 Jan. 2018
In flight, researchers inspected lavatory flush buttons, tray tables, and seat belt buckles.

— mia taylor, Philly.com, "Traveling by air? Bring along hand sanitizer," 21 Feb. 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

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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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