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.
Nelson got up from seat 35F toward the back of the Boeing 737 and went to the lavatory near the front of the plane, according to the affidavit. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024 Hologram light switches will eventually keep the lavatory completely hands free, while smart mirrors can multitask by providing an interactive display of digital content. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024 The issue of crying babies on planes is a frequent source of conflict, with some passengers glaring, yelling or more recently, locking the offending child in the lavatory to admonish them. Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024 But the downside to window seats is, of course, being able to get up to use the lavatory with ease. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lavatory

Cite this Entry

“Lavatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavatory. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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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