Lavatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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lavatory

[ ˈlævətəri ]

^{Context #1}

public

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

Synonyms

bathroom, restroom, toilet

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2}

formal

A place where people can wash their hands and faces.

Synonyms

bathroom, restroom, washroom

Examples of usage

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

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 origin

The word 'lavatory' has its origins in Latin, from the word 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash.' It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially referring to a vessel for washing. Over time, it evolved to denote a room or facility for washing oneself, particularly in the context of hygiene and sanitation. The term 'lavatory' has been commonly used in formal and public settings to describe facilities for personal hygiene and bathroom use.