noun
Very common
john
JON
John (noun) means informal US term for a toilet. Example: “The motel room had a tiny john with a cracked sink.”
noun
1
Informal US term for a toilet.
"The motel room had a tiny john with a cracked sink."
"Someone left the seat up in the john again."
"He excused himself to go to the john."
2
Slang for a prostitute's customer.
"The girls sat there while the johns (customers) moped around giving them the once-over."
— Milton “Mezz” Mezzrow, Mezz (1946)
"Police were arresting johns as part of the sting operation."
How to use john
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context, either a slang word for a toilet or for a man who pays for sex.
When to use it
Both senses are informal/slang; avoid in formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- johns
Fill the gap
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The motel room had a tiny _____ with a cracked sink.
Etymology
From the personal name John, which became a generic stand-in for "some man" and later a euphemism for a toilet.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for john
See all rhymes for john →Frequently asked questions
What does “john” mean?
The word “john” means informal US term for a toilet. In plain terms, depending on context, either a slang word for a toilet or for a man who pays for sex.
How do you pronounce “john”?
“John” is pronounced JON (/ˈd͡ʒɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “john” in a sentence?
Here is “john” used in a sentence: “He excused himself to go to the john.”
What part of speech is “john”?
“John” is a noun.
Is “john” a common word?
“John” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “john” have?
“John” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal US term for a toilet.
Why is a toilet called a 'john'?
The nickname is an American informalism whose exact origin is uncertain. It is often traced to Sir John Harington, who devised an early flush toilet in the sixteenth century, and it may also connect to the earlier slang "jakes." Whatever the source, "the john" has been common casual American English for a very long time.
Is 'john' a formal or informal word for a toilet?
It is informal, and chiefly American. "The john" is casual, everyday slang you would use among friends, not in formal or polite writing. In those settings, neutral words like "restroom," "bathroom," or "toilet" are more appropriate. Because it is lower-case slang, "john" here should not be confused with the personal name John.
What are other informal words for the john?
English has many casual terms for a toilet. American English uses "the head," especially at sea, while British English favours "the loo." More neutral everyday choices include "bathroom," "restroom," and "washroom." The formal terms are "toilet" and "lavatory," with "WC" often seen on signs. The right choice depends on how formal the setting is.
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