facilities
fuh-SIH-lih-teez
Facilities (noun) means Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose. Example: “The gym has excellent facilities, including a pool and sauna.”
noun
1
Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose.
"The gym has excellent facilities, including a pool and sauna."
"The campsite has basic facilities, such as showers and a small shop."
"Disabled access and parking facilities are available at the front of the building."
2
A polite way to refer to toilets.
"Could you point me to the facilities, please?"
"Where are the facilities in this restaurant, do you know?"
"I'll just pop to the facilities before we set off."
How to use facilities
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEquipment or amenities provided for a purpose, or (informally) restrooms.
Common pairings
sports facilities
use the facilities
on-site facilities
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for facilities
See all rhymes for facilities →Frequently asked questions
What does “facilities” mean?
The word “facilities” means buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose. In plain terms, equipment or amenities provided for a purpose, or (informally) restrooms.
How do you pronounce “facilities”?
“Facilities” is pronounced fuh-SIH-lih-teez (/fəˈsɪlɪdiz/ in IPA).
How do you use “facilities” in a sentence?
Here is “facilities” used in a sentence: “The gym has excellent facilities, including a pool and sauna.”
What part of speech is “facilities”?
“Facilities” is a noun.
Is “facilities” a common word?
“Facilities” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “facilities” have?
“Facilities” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose.
What are examples of facilities?
Facilities include the buildings, equipment, and services set up for a purpose. A gym's facilities might be weights, a pool, and changing rooms. A hotel's could include parking, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Schools, hospitals, and sports grounds all have facilities that support the activities taking place there.
What is the difference between facilities and amenities?
The words overlap but differ in emphasis. Facilities are the buildings, equipment, and services provided to make an activity possible — car parks, laboratories, or toilets. Amenities are extra features that add comfort or pleasure, such as a spa or free breakfast. Facilities enable, while amenities enhance, though many things count as both.
Does facilities always mean a physical place?
Not always. Facilities often means physical buildings and equipment, but it also covers services and features. A bank may offer overdraft facilities, and software can include a search facility. In the singular, "facility" can even mean a natural skill or ease at doing something, as in "a facility for languages."
What does facilities mean as a polite term for toilets?
In everyday British English, "the facilities" is a polite, indirect way of referring to a toilet or restroom, especially in a public place. Asking to "use the facilities" avoids naming the toilet directly. It is one of several gentle euphemisms, alongside "washroom," "restroom," and "the ladies' or gents'."
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