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

Six of the aircraft's eight lavatories were not working — leaving only two available during the transatlantic flight, according to reports. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

An American Airlines Boeing 777 typically has eight lavatories onboard but only two were working. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Volunteers then tag the bathroom’s location and provide a brief description of the lavatory itself. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

In 1971, a bomb went off in one of the lavatories on the 31st floor. — David Szondy august 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 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