Lavatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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lavatory

[ˈlævətəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

public

A room equipped with a toilet and sink for use as a bathroom, especially on a ship or aircraft.

Synonyms

bathroom, restroom, toilet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lavatory	Used commonly in formal, technical, or aviation-related contexts. It’s often heard on airplanes or in engineering terminology. Please use the lavatory when the seatbelt sign is turned off. The lavatories on this plane are at the rear.
bathroom	Commonly used in homes or informal settings, particularly in American English. It typically refers to a room that includes a toilet and a place for bathing. The guest bathroom is down the hall. I need to clean the bathroom today.
toilet	Commonly used in British English and in general contexts when referring straightforwardly to the toilet itself. Can also be used in a more clinical or direct manner. Where is the toilet, please? She went to clean the toilets.
restroom	Primarily used in public places in American English. It refers to a public facility that contains one or more toilets and sometimes also washbasins. Excuse me, where is the nearest restroom? The restrooms are located by the entrance.

Examples of usage

The lavatory on the plane was surprisingly clean.
She excused herself to use the lavatory.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

formal

A place where people can wash their hands and faces.

Synonyms

bathroom, restroom, washroom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lavatory	Commonly used in British English and often found in formal contexts or in reference to public facilities, especially in transportation like planes and trains. The signs pointed to the lavatory at the end of the train car. Flight attendants ask passengers to keep the lavatory clean.
washroom	Often used in Canadian English to refer to public facilities. It can also be used in some parts of the UK. It implies a place where one can wash hands and use the toilet. Excuse me, where is the nearest washroom? The washrooms are maintained every hour.
bathroom	Frequently used in American English to refer to a room in a house or a public place where there is a toilet and possibly a bath or shower. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Can I use your bathroom, please? The bathroom is down the hall, third door on the left.
restroom	Typically used in American English to describe public facilities in places like restaurants, shopping malls, and airports. It is more polite and formal compared to other terms. There is a restroom near the food court. Please wash your hands before returning to the restroom.

Examples of usage

He went to the lavatory to freshen up before the meeting.
There is a lavatory next to the dining hall.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'lavatorium,' which means 'to wash.'
This word evolved in English during the late Middle Ages, initially referring to a place for washing hands.
By the 19th century, it began to represent restrooms as plumbing became more common in buildings.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, cleanliness is linked with spiritual beliefs, making the lavatory a place of both hygiene and refreshment.
Certain countries have unique lavatory etiquette, and understanding them can help travelers avoid embarrassment.
In Japanese culture, high-tech toilets are famous for comfort and cleanliness, showcasing innovation in design and functionality.

Architecture

The design of lavatories has evolved, reflecting cultural shifts from simple outdoor facilities to modern indoor plumbing.
In ancient Rome, public lavatories called 'foricae' were places of social gathering as well as sanitation.
Modern facilities often include accessibility features to accommodate people with disabilities, emphasizing inclusivity.

Health and Hygiene

Regular handwashing in lavatories can significantly reduce the spread of germs and illnesses.
Public health campaigns stress the importance of maintaining clean lavatory environments to prevent disease outbreaks.
Innovations, such as touchless faucets and soap dispensers, are aimed at increasing sanitation efficiency in public restrooms.

Literature and Media

The lavatory often serves as an important setting in literary works, representing privacy, contemplation, or even comedic mischief.
In popular films, moments in lavatories can lead to pivotal character developments or unexpected plot twists.
The concept of 'restroom graffiti' has become a form of cultural expression, with social commentaries often found on bathroom stalls.

Translations

Translations of the word "lavatory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 banheiro

lavabo
sanitário

🇮🇳 शौचालय

🇩🇪 Toilette

WC
Badezimmer

🇮🇩 kamar kecil

🇺🇦 убиральня

туалет
вбиральня

🇵🇱 toaleta

🇯🇵 トイレ

🇫🇷 toilettes

WC
salle de bain

🇪🇸 baño

lavabo
aseo

🇹🇷 tuvalet

🇰🇷 화장실

🇸🇦 حمام

🇨🇿 toaleta

🇸🇰 toaleta

🇨🇳 厕所

🇸🇮 stranišče

🇮🇸 klósett

🇰🇿 дәретхана

🇬🇪 ტუალეტი

🇦🇿 tualet

🇲🇽 baño

lavabo
aseo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,019, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21016 rectilinear
21017 digs
21018 gourmet
21019 lavatory
21020 wrecking
21021 acidification
21022 encrypted
...