lavatory
noun
lav·a·to·ry
ˈla-və-ˌtȯr-ē 
British -və-t(ə-)rē
plural lavatories
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
3
lavatory
adjective
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
The scheduled flight went on as usual until the pilot got up to use the lavatory during the duration of the flight.
—
Rachel Flynn, People.com, 30 May 2025
The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the lavatory when the copilot fainted during a flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on February 17, 2024, said the report from the agency, called CIAIAC.
—Alex Stambaugh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Will all the airborne lavatories be gold-plated — or just the presidential ones?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
Because that's not necessarily water on the floor of the lavatory.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lavatory
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show current usage.
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Rachel Flynn, People.com, 30 May 2025
The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the lavatory when the copilot fainted during a flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on February 17, 2024, said the report from the agency, called CIAIAC.
—Alex Stambaugh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Will all the airborne lavatories be gold-plated — or just the presidential ones?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
Because that's not necessarily water on the floor of the lavatory.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lavatory
Cite this Entry
“Lavatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lavatory. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lavatory
noun
lav·a·to·ry
ˈlav-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
plural lavatories
1
: a basin for washing
especially
: a small sink with running water and drainpipe
2
: a room with lavatories and usually with toilets
3
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