toiletry

American  

[toi-li-tree] / ˈtɔɪ lɪ tri /

noun

• toiletries
  plural

1. any article or preparation used in cleaning or grooming oneself, as soap or deodorant.

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toiletry British  

/ ˈtɔɪlɪtrɪ /

noun

1. an object or cosmetic used in making up, dressing, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• toiletries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of toiletry

First recorded in 1825–35; toilet + -ry

Explanation

Anything you use for cleaning or grooming yourself is a toiletry. Your travel bag of toiletries might include tiny bottles of shampoo, dental floss, deodorant, and soap. You'll often find this word in its plural form, toiletries. Aid organizations often distribute toiletries to disaster victims so they can clean and care for themselves. And when you pack for a trip, your toiletries are nearly as important as your clothing — without them, you can't brush your teeth or wash your hair! This word stems from toilet and its somewhat old-fashioned meaning, "the process of washing, dressing, and attending to one's appearance."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toiletry toiletries

WSJ | Buy Side: This uniquely shaped toiletry bag helps one editor save space and protects her favorite products.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026

Then-Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the dominance of "tiny toiletry" was nearly over.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026

While Enck would prefer consumers shop at stores that sell toiletry refills, ditch plastic coffee pods and take other steps, she acknowledges that such choices are not yet realistic for many people.

From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026

I had toiletry bags that were dumped upside down.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2024

Afterward, Samir handed Lateef the paste from his personal toiletry bag and the oldest Bedouin his gold.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

His largest purchase was a £124,500 motorhome which he kitted out with luxury extras and top-of-the-range toiletries.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: This unique makeup bag has sides that fold down, plus smart pockets for keeping cosmetics and other toiletries secure while traveling.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

A number of items listed on the charge sheet including Le Creuset and Joseph Joseph kitchen implements, an Alessi teapot and various Molton Brown toiletries were found inside the vehicle.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

Making a “CVS run” for toiletries has turned into a “CVS crawl.”

From Salon ● May 22, 2026

I save some shelf space for toiletries, since the sink barely has room for a small cup and my toothbrush.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed