commode

noun

com·​mode kə-ˈmōd How to pronounce commode (audio)
1
a
: a low chest of drawers
b
: a boxlike structure holding a chamber pot under an open seat
also : chamber pot
d
: a movable washstand with a cupboard underneath
2
: a woman's ornate cap popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries

Illustration of commode

Illustration of commode
  • commode 2

Example Sentences

There are towels in the cabinet above the commode.
Recent Examples on the Web Primary Bath Retrofitted for use as a vanity, the antique commode got a new onyx top. Kristen Flanagan, House Beautiful, 16 Feb. 2023 The commode looks almost like a regular chair since its thicker seat hides the removable pan. Diana Budds, Curbed, 18 Feb. 2022 Days after San Francisco officials unveiled a new and sleek public toilet at the Embarcadero Plaza on Wednesday, the futuristic commode suffered technical problems that resulted in a temporary closure, officials said. Jessica Flores, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Nov. 2022 First, a fine example of le goût chinois in the form of a commode by Pierre Macret, crafted circa 1770 with tôle-dorée doors curved like rolling waves and depicting a pastoral scene. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 16 Nov. 2022 The Macret commode has an estimate of €800,000-1,200,000, while the Jacobs fauteuil has a high estimate of €200,000. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 16 Nov. 2022 Yes, shockingly, other cities have figured out the commode conundrum. Heather Knight, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Nov. 2022 The contemporary commode is scheduled to begin service on Wednesday, offering eight minutes of privacy on one of the city’s high-visibility promenades, at the edge of Embarcadero Plaza between Market Street and the Ferry Building. John King, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Nov. 2022 The commode is fitted with tôle-dorée doors that are curved like rolling waves and feature detailed chinoiserie landscapes. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Nov. 2022 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

French, from commode, adjective, suitable, convenient, from Latin commodus, from com- + modus measure — more at mete

First Known Use

circa 1688, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of commode was circa 1688

Dictionary Entries Near commode

Cite this Entry

“Commode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commode. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

commode

noun
com·​mode kə-ˈmōd How to pronounce commode (audio)
1
a
: a low chest of drawers
b
: a movable washstand with a cupboard underneath
2

More from Merriam-Webster on commode

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