commode

[ kuh-mohd ]

noun

1. a low cabinet or similar piece of furniture, often highly ornamental, containing drawers or shelves.
2. a stand or cupboard containing a chamber pot or washbasin.
3. toilet ( def 1 ).
4. a portable toilet, especially one on a chairlike frame with wheels, as for an invalid.
5. an elaborate headdress consisting chiefly of a high framework decorated with lace, ribbons, etc., worn perched on top of the hair by women in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

commode

/ kəˈməʊd /

noun

1. a piece of furniture, usually highly ornamented, containing drawers or shelves
2. a bedside table with a cabinet below for a chamber pot or washbasin
3. a movable piece of furniture, sometimes in the form of a chair, with a hinged flap concealing a chamber pot
4. a woman's high-tiered headdress of lace, worn in the late 17th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of commode¹

First recorded in 1680–90; from French, from Latin commodus “convenient, fitting, suitable”; equivalent to com- + mode ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of commode¹

C17: from French, from Latin commodus commodious

Example Sentences

Managing her mother's pain, plus arranging items such as a wheelchair and commode, meant Ceridwen Hughes was not able to say a proper goodbye.

From BBC

To commemorate the commode’s installation, residents celebrated at a “potty party” they called the Toilet Bowl.

From New York Times

We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself.

From BBC

If you want to add a colorful commode or other joyful element, start small.

From Seattle Times

"When Adam first came home a year ago, he could barely get to a commode. He's now walking without a stick," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dresser