lavatory

[ lav-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural lav·a·to·ries.

1. a room fitted with equipment for washing the hands and face and usually with flush toilet facilities.
2. a flush toilet; water closet.
3. a bowl or basin with running water for washing or bathing purposes; washbowl.
4. any place where washing is done.

lavatory

/ -trɪ; ˈlævətərɪ /

noun

1. Also calledtoiletwater closetWC
   1. a sanitary installation for receiving and disposing of urine and faeces, consisting of a bowl fitted with a water-flushing device and connected to a drain
   2. a room containing such an installation
2. the washing place in a convent or monastic establishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavatory¹

1325–75; Middle English lavatorie < Late Latin lavātōrium washing-place, equivalent to Latin lavā ( re ) to wash + -tōrium -tory ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavatory¹

C14: from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre to wash

Example Sentences

A former American flight attendant is accused of luring girls to use the lavatory after taping his iPhone to the toilet seat and explaining that the seat was broken.

From Seattle Times

Police also allege Thompson, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, had recordings of four other girls — ages 7, 9, 11 and 14 — using aircraft lavatories.

From Seattle Times

Police have also alleged that Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, had recordings of four other girls using lavatories on an aircraft where he worked.

From Seattle Times

After everyone else boarded, Fleurizard moved to a lavatory in the back of the plane.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Fleurizard then made his way toward the back of the plane, and he went into a lavatory there, according to court records.

From New York Times

Related Words

• latrine
• restroom
• toilet