Lavatory

usgb/ˈlævətɔːri/
noun

A room or enclosed area having a toilet and sink for washing hands and face.

The airplane has a small lavatory at the back.
Visual representation of "lavatory" - A room or enclosed area having a toilet and sink for washing hands and face

Often appears as...

  • public lavatory
  • airplane lavatory
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "lavatory"
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Public Etiquette

Used for public or shared toilets, 'lavatory' indicates a place of privacy and hygiene.

Illustration for Public Etiquette
Please clean up after using the public lavatory.
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Air Travel

'Lavatory' is common in air travel to refer to the toilet compartment in an aircraft.

Illustration for Air Travel
The seatbelt sign is off, so you may now use the lavatory if needed.
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Formal Preference

In formal or polite contexts, 'lavatory' is preferred over 'toilet', which can be considered blunt.

Illustration for Formal Preference
Excuse me, where is the lavatory?
Visual representation of the word "Lavatory"

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