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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of toilet paper

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Private vehicles distribute everything from water and food to toilet paper and soap, while trucks belonging to the World Central Kitchen NGO trundle through the coastal city.

From Barron's Jul. 1, 2026

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans found themselves explaining an unexpected obsession with toilet paper.

From Salon Jun. 28, 2026

She watched TikTok videos warning expectant mothers to bring their own toilet paper and disinfectant to the hospital and says several relatives had a terrible experience.

From BBC Jun. 15, 2026

In a brutal little detail, he contrasts Danny’s bikini groupies with the women in Rick’s crowd, who clomp toward him with toilet paper stuck to their shoes.

From Los Angeles Times May 28, 2026

Some kids like to plug the toilets with big wads of toilet paper, but I don’t suggest you try doing that.

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea

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