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

See Examples For:

toilet paper

Last week, we reported on a pointy desert plant that could make toilet paper softer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Scott paper towels and Cottonelle toilet paper, is exploring an alternative to making its products from trees, Natasha Khan reports.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

The couple spent their courtship sharing fun Covid-era activities, like stealing toilet paper, enjoying empty cinemas and stadiums, and taking selfies in front of dumpster fires, all to the tune of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”

From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2026

They managed to find diapers, bottles of water, toilet paper and some food.

From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026

The boys sauntered away, Jinx yelling over his shoulder, “They got toilet paper in Arkansas.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool