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Toilet: meaning, definitions and examples

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toilet

 

[ˈtɔɪlɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a bathroom

A toilet is a large bowl with a seat that you sit on or stand near when you get rid of waste substances from your body.

Synonyms

bathroom, lavatory, loo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toilet

Commonly used across most English-speaking countries to refer to the fixture or the room. Suitable for both informal and formal situations.

  • Where's the toilet? I need to clean the toilet
lavatory

More formally used, and often found in public places or transport (like airplanes). Suitable for formal contexts.

  • The lavatory is at the end of the corridor
  • Please ensure the lavatory is clean
loo

Informal British English term for a toilet. Used in casual conversation.

  • I'm just popping to the loo
  • Where's the nearest loo?
bathroom

Typically used in American English to refer to a room that contains a toilet, sink, and possibly a shower or bathtub. Suitable for informal situations.

  • I need to use the bathroom
  • Could you tell me where the bathroom is?

Examples of usage

  • I need to use the toilet.
  • The toilet is clogged.
Context #2 | Noun

as a fixture

A toilet is a fixture used for the disposal of human waste, consisting of a bowl and a flush mechanism.

Synonyms

commode, privy, restroom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toilet

Commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to bathroom facilities at home or in public places. It is a direct and neutral term.

  • I need to use the toilet.
  • The toilet is out of order.
commode

Typically used in more formal or refined settings, often referring to a piece of furniture that conceals a toilet, or specifically in healthcare to describe a portable toilet.

  • The patient used a commode during his hospital stay.
  • The antique commode in the corner is quite valuable.
privy

Often used in historical or rural contexts to describe an outdoor toilet or outhouse. It can be seen as somewhat old-fashioned.

  • The old cabin still has a privy out back.
  • We visited a medieval castle that had a privy.
restroom

Commonly used in American English to refer to public bathroom facilities, especially in places like restaurants, theaters, and airports. It is a polite term.

  • Where is the restroom?
  • The restrooms are located down the hall.

Examples of usage

  • The toilet won't stop running.
  • Please remember to flush the toilet after use.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'toilet' comes from the French word 'toilette', which means 'to wash' or 'to clean up'.
  • In the 16th century, portable toilets called 'thunderboxes' were used when people didn’t have permanent bathrooms.
  • The modern flush toilet was invented by Sir John Harington in the late 16th century.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, bathrooms are often seen as private sanctuaries where people can find a moment of solitude.
  • Toilets can vary greatly in design and function across countries, with some cultures favoring squat toilets over conventional seated ones.
  • In Japan, high-tech toilets are common, featuring bidets, heated seats, and even music to ensure privacy.

Science and Hygiene

  • Proper sanitation and toilet use significantly reduce the risk of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
  • Innovations in composting toilets are helping to address sanitation issues in areas without reliable plumbing.
  • Toilets are designed to minimize water use, with modern efficiency models using as little as 1.6 gallons per flush.

Arts and Literature

  • Toilets have appeared as symbols of privacy and personal reflection in various works of literature, including plays and novels.
  • Some artists use toilets in their art to comment on society’s views regarding cleanliness, privacy, and waste.
  • Comedian Louis C.K. often references the absurdity of bathroom experiences, highlighting their universal and humorous nature.

Tech Innovations

  • Smart toilets can analyze bathroom habits and provide health tracking, indicating potential issues to users.
  • Waterless toilets are being developed for use in areas with limited water supply, providing sustainable waste management.
  • Mobile toilet apps help users find clean public restrooms, enhancing convenience in urban areas.

Translations

Translations of the word "toilet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 banheiro

🇮🇳 शौचालय (shauchalay)

🇩🇪 Toilette

🇮🇩 toilet

🇺🇦 туалет

🇵🇱 toaleta

🇯🇵 トイレ (toire)

🇫🇷 toilettes

🇪🇸 baño

🇹🇷 tuvalet

🇰🇷 화장실 (hwajangsil)

🇸🇦 حمام (ḥammām)

🇨🇿 toaleta

🇸🇰 toaleta

🇨🇳 厕所 (cèsuǒ)

🇸🇮 stranišče

🇮🇸 klósett

🇰🇿 дәретхана (dӓrethana)

🇬🇪 ტუალეტი (tualeti)

🇦🇿 tualet

🇲🇽 baño

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,602 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.