lavatory

noun

lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio)
 British  -və-t(ə-)rē
plural lavatories
1
: a vessel (such as a basin) for washing
especially : a fixed bowl or basin with running water and drainpipe for washing
2
: a room with conveniences for washing and usually with one or more toilets
the airplane's lavatory
3
lavatory adjective

Examples of lavatory in a Sentence

a wide choice of lavatories on sale at plumbing supply stores the school's filthy, broken-down lavatories were a disgrace
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The guards were in charge of delivering food and water to the detainees and taking them to the lavatories. Mckenzie Funk, ProPublica, 1 Apr. 2025 Although the seat belt sign was illuminated, some passengers were in the lavatories when the pilot performed the abrupt maneuver. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025 Mini Squats: Find a space near the lavatory or galley and do a few shallow squats to activate your leg muscles. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Interestingly, all the lavatories—which have also received a facelift with touch sensors and new finishes—are on the left side of the aircraft. Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavatory

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lavatorie, from Medieval Latin lavatorium, from Latin lavare to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lavatory was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lavatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavatory. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lavatory

noun
lav·​a·​to·​ry ˈlav-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
plural lavatories
1
: a basin for washing
especially : a small sink with running water and drainpipe
2
: a room with lavatories and usually with toilets
3
Etymology

Middle English lavatorie "basin for washing," from Latin lavatorium (same meaning), derived from earlier lavare "to wash" — related to laundry, lavish, lotion

More from Merriam-Webster on lavatory

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