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noun Uncommon

loo

loo

Loo (noun) means (British, informal) A toilet, or the room containing one. Example: “Excuse me, where's the loo?”

noun
1
(British, informal) A toilet, or the room containing one.
"Excuse me, where's the loo?"
"She popped to the loo before the film started."

How to use loo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual British word for the toilet.

When to use it

Informal, everyday usage rather than formal.

UK vs US

Mainly British; Americans typically say "bathroom" or "restroom."

Common pairings
go to the loo the loo is upstairs need the loo

Word forms

looed past tense, looed past tense, loos plural, loos plural, loos plural, Loos plural, loos singular, loos singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Excuse me, where's the _____?

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").

Origin: French

closet W.C. water closet

Related words

Rhymes for loo

See all rhymes for 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.

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