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
Other flight attendants and several passengers who did not have seatbelts on also hit the ceiling, including a baby being held on a lap and someone in the lavatory.
—
Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
As previously reported, the Vacuum, Collection, Holding and Transfer system has been prone to clogging, leaving all of the carrier's lavatories out of service at the same time!
—Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
This is reflected by there being only one lavatory containing two cubicles near the Diet's main plenary session hall for the 73 women elected to the lower house, according to the petition.
—CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Window seats in the front half of the plane are preferred for quicker boarding and deplaning, while spots near the galley or lavatory are best avoided.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lavatory
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
As previously reported, the Vacuum, Collection, Holding and Transfer system has been prone to clogging, leaving all of the carrier's lavatories out of service at the same time!
—Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
This is reflected by there being only one lavatory containing two cubicles near the Diet's main plenary session hall for the 73 women elected to the lower house, according to the petition.
—CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Window seats in the front half of the plane are preferred for quicker boarding and deplaning, while spots near the galley or lavatory are best avoided.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
