Lavatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.