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lavatory — a toilet, especially one in a public place or on an aircraft/train

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a toilet, especially one in a public place or on an aircraft/train

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlævətɔːri/

Example Sentences

  • The airplane lavatory was smaller than my closet!
  • Please keep the lavatory clean for other passengers.
  • The lavatory door wouldn't lock, making for an awkward flight.

lavatory

NOUN

[/ˈlævətɔːri/]

a toilet, especially one in a public place or on an aircraft/train

a passenger approaches the small airplane lavatory door while holding their stomach with an urgent expression. They reach for the door handle as other passengers wait in the narrow aisle behind them. The compact lavatory space is visible through the partially open door showing the tiny sink and toilet inside. A flight attendant points toward the lavatory to help guide another passenger who looks confused. Other travelers shift in their seats as people move through the tight aisle space.  a toilet facility in a public transportation setting
💡 Concept

a passenger approaches the small airplane lavatory door while holding their stomach with an urgent expression. They reach for the door handle as other passengers wait in the narrow aisle behind them. The compact lavatory space is visible through the partially open door showing the tiny sink and toilet inside. A flight attendant points toward the lavatory to help guide another passenger who looks confused. Other travelers shift in their seats as people move through the tight aisle space. a toilet facility in a public transportation setting

From laboratory to lavatory - handwashing is mandatory!
🎵 Rhyme

From laboratory to lavatory - handwashing is mandatory!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈlævətɔːri/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈlævətri/

🌳Etymology

Rootlav-
Suffix--atory

Origin

Derived from Latin lavatorium, meaning 'a place for washing'. Originally referred specifically to a basin or facility for washing hands, but the meaning gradually expanded over time to encompass a toilet or bathroom as a whole.

Breakdown

lavare (to wash) + -torium (suffix denoting place or location). The suffix -torium creates a noun indicating a space or establishment where an action occurs.

🎵Rhyme

laboratory
oratory
mandatory

🔗Collocations

aircraft lavatory
public lavatory
use the lavatory
lavatory facilities
lavatory attendant
occupied lavatory

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The airplane lavatory was smaller than my closet!”

“Please keep the lavatory clean for other passengers.”

😄 Fun example

“The lavatory door wouldn't lock, making for an awkward flight.”

“There's a queue for the lavatory during turbulence.”

📚Related Words

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