toilet paper

American  

[toi-lit pey-per] / ˈtɔɪ lɪt ˌpeɪ pər /

Also TP,

noun

1. Also called bathroom tissue.  Also called toilet tissue,.  a soft, lightweight, sanitized paper used in bathrooms for personal cleansing after elimination.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to cover a house, a tree, or other structure, usually on someone’s home property, with strips of toilet paper, as a prank.

   Toilet papering the chief of police’s car was a risky choice—you’re going to get fined for littering or trespassing if he catches you.

toilet paper British  

noun

1. thin absorbent paper, often wound in a roll round a cardboard cylinder ( toilet roll ), used for cleaning oneself after defecation or urination

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Etymology

Origin of toilet paper

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Can we do better than cheap, one-ply toilet paper?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

If it’s anything like a normal set, it will be fun and there will be a toilet paper gun.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Unicharm has been able to recycle these materials into products with less rigorous sanitary requirements, like toilet paper.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

A Costco clerk in Northridge saw people brawling over toilet paper and water.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

All my crafts, from the large-scale collages hanging on the walls to the decorated toilet paper dispenser, were what Nan called “pack-worthy.”

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry