lavatory
lavatory Lexical Profile
lavatory Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A room or compartment equipped with a toilet and a washbasin.
"The flight attendant announced that the lavatory at the front of the aircraft was temporarily out of service."
A flush toilet fixture used for urination and defecation.
"The plumber was called in to fix a leak developing behind the ceramic lavatory."
A sink or washbasin, especially one located in a bathroom.
"She washed her hands thoroughly at the lavatory before joining the guests for dinner."
Word Nuance & Usage
In global aviation, 'lavatory' is the universal industry term for an aircraft restroom, whereas in general British English, it serves as a polite everyday alternative to 'toilet'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English (denoting a vessel for washing): from Latin lavatorium 'place for washing', from the verb lavare 'to wash'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.