lavatory

American  

[lav-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈlæv əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

plural

lavatories

1. a room fitted with equipment for washing the hands and face and usually with flush toilet facilities.

2. a flush toilet; water closet.

3. a bowl or basin with running water for washing or bathing purposes; washbowl.

4. any place where washing is done.

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lavatory British  

/ -trɪ, ˈlævətərɪ /

noun

1. Also called: toilet.   water closet.   WC. 

   1. a sanitary installation for receiving and disposing of urine and faeces, consisting of a bowl fitted with a water-flushing device and connected to a drain

   2. a room containing such an installation

2. the washing place in a convent or monastic establishment

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Etymology

Origin of lavatory

1325–75; Middle English lavatorie < Late Latin lavātōrium washing-place, equivalent to Latin lavā ( re ) to wash + -tōrium -tory ²

Example Sentences

When nearly an hour had passed, I asked permission to use the lavatory.

From Literature

He has unveiled plans for a new small jet that he says will have the highest speed and range—and largest lavatory—in the light jet category.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her heels scrape on the floor as she rushes to the lavatory while the rest of us watch.

From Literature

Sometimes she went into the hall to her locker and was gone in the lavatory for a while, then came back.

From Literature

She didn’t write notes about me on the lavatory walls, leave slimy things in my jacket pockets, or have her mother call up my mama and discuss my behavior.

From Literature

Related Words

• latrine
• restroom
• toilet