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

Meanwhile, there were shortages of everything, including toilet paper, which led people to use newspapers instead.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 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

What if Jesse decorates the house with toilet paper?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

Place rows of double-sided tape on the toilet paper roll, about ¼ inch apart.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry