loo
3 synonyms for loo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — (British, informal) A toilet, or the room containing one.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
W.C.
water closet
How to use loo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
go to the loo
the loo is upstairs
need the loo
Informal, everyday usage rather than formal.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; one popular theory links it to "gardyloo," a warning shouted in old Edinburgh before emptying chamber pots from windows, itself possibly from French gardez l'eau ("watch out for the water").
Full origin of loo →Frequently asked questions
What does “loo” mean?
The word “loo” means (British, informal) A toilet, or the room containing one. In plain terms, a casual British word for the toilet.
How do you pronounce “loo”?
“Loo” is pronounced loo (/lu/ in IPA).
How do you use “loo” in a sentence?
Here is “loo” used in a sentence: “Excuse me, where's the loo?”
What part of speech is “loo”?
“Loo” is a noun.
Where does the word “loo” come from?
The word “loo” comes from French. Origin uncertain; one popular theory links it to "gardyloo," a warning shouted in old Edinburgh before emptying chamber pots from windows, itself possibly from French gardez l'eau ("watch out for the water").
Is “loo” a common word?
“Loo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
