1 lavatories | Definition of lavatories

lavatory

noun
lav·​a·​to·​ry | \ ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio) , British -və-t(ə-)rē\
plural lavatories

Definition of lavatory

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

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Other Words from lavatory

lavatory adjective

Synonyms for lavatory

Synonyms

bath, bathroom, bog [British], can, cloakroom [British], comfort station, convenience [chiefly British], head, john, latrine, loo [chiefly British], potty, restroom, toilet, washroom, water closet

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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

Some passengers even make shoeless trips to the lavatory. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Video: Man using bare feet on inflight screen draws disgusted response," 18 July 2019 All cabins will feature Airbus' much vaunted AirSpace cabin improvements, which include larger overhead bins, new lighting options, and changes to the lavatories. — Jeremy Dwyer-lindgren, USA TODAY, "TAP Portugal uses 'proving flights' to show off new Airbus A330neo," 24 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lavatory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lavatory

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for lavatory

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

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More Definitions for lavatory

lavatory

noun

English Language Learners Definition of lavatory

formal : a room with a toilet and sink
US, technical : a bathroom sink

lavatory

noun
lav·​a·​to·​ry | \ ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce lavatory (audio) \
plural lavatories

Kids Definition of lavatory

1 : a small sink (as in a bathroom)
2 : a room for washing that usually has a toilet

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More from Merriam-Webster on lavatory

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lavatory

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lavatory

Spanish Central: Translation of lavatory

Nglish: Translation of lavatory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of lavatory for Arabic Speakers

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