noun
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lavatory
LAV-uh-tree
Lavatory (noun) means a room containing a toilet, or the toilet itself. Example: “The plane's lavatory was occupied, so she waited by the galley.”
noun
1
A room containing a toilet, or the toilet itself.
"THE RESTROOM ON THE OLDER TRAINS ARE TOO SMALL FOR AN ADULT. ONE CAN'T USE THE TOILET WITHOUT CONSTANTLY ELBOWING THE WALL. AIRPLANES HAVE LARGER LAVATORIES AND A BETTER USEABLE FAUCET."
— “Verbatim Comments”, Verbatim Comments (2014)
"The plane's lavatory was occupied, so she waited by the galley."
2
A basin or sink used for washing.
"Their 'bathroom' included a toilet and a lavatory but no bath."
"Anywhere a water closet is used, a lavatory (ie, hand-washing sink) must also be installed."
— Sharon Koomen Harmon et al, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors (2011)
"The old lavatory in the hallway still has its original brass taps."
How to use lavatory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal or old-fashioned word for a toilet or washroom.
When to use it
Fairly formal or old-fashioned; "bathroom," "toilet," or "restroom" are far more common in everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lavatories
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The plane's _____ was occupied, so she waited by the galley.
Etymology
From Late Latin lavatorium, "place for washing," from Latin lavare, "to wash."
Related words
Rhymes for lavatory
See all rhymes for lavatory →Frequently asked questions
What does “lavatory” mean?
The word “lavatory” means a room containing a toilet, or the toilet itself. In plain terms, a formal or old-fashioned word for a toilet or washroom.
How do you pronounce “lavatory”?
“Lavatory” is pronounced LAV-uh-tree (/ˈlæv.ə.t(ɔ)ɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “lavatory” in a sentence?
Here is “lavatory” used in a sentence: “The plane's lavatory was occupied, so she waited by the galley.”
What is another word for “lavatory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lavatory” include washbasin, sink and toilet.
What part of speech is “lavatory”?
“Lavatory” is a noun.
Where does the word “lavatory” come from?
The word “lavatory” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin lavatorium, "place for washing," from Latin lavare, "to wash.".
How many meanings does “lavatory” have?
“Lavatory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a room containing a toilet, or the toilet itself.
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