Lavatory Meaning
/ˈlæv.ə.tɹi/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA vessel or fixture for washing, particularly
nounA vessel or fixture for washing, A laver: a washbasin.
Sentence Examples
We have just cleaned the lavatory.
Tom knocked on the lavatory door.
Tom got caught smoking in the airplane lavatory.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The flight attendant told passengers to use the ____ at the rear of the aircraft.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He asked for directions to the nearest ____ so that he could wash his hands before the formal dinner tonight.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English lavatorie, from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (forming places related to an activity). As a place to pan gold, via Spanish lavadero. Doublet of lavatorium and laver. See also lave.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Whon he haþ vsed he walkeþ riht
To Lauatorie þer hit is diht
For to wassche his hende."
— a. 1375, Lay Folks Mass Book, Appendix iv, p. 606:
"Lavatories (bathroom sinks) are available in a blizzard of colors, materials, and styles."
— 2005, Michael W. Litchfield, Renovation, page 325:
"Anywhere a water closet is used, a lavatory (ie, hand-washing sink) must also be installed."
— 2011, Sharon Koomen Harmon et al., The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, page 288:
"They must be wasshed wyth wyne or wyth some other lauatorye."
— 1490, Publius Vergilius Maro, chapter XXVIII, in William Caxton, transl., The Boke yf Eneydos, page 110:
"Even the lavatory, a vestibule to the refectory through which the novices would pass on their way to the recreation room, boasted a painting cycle."
— 2003, Gauvin A. Bailey, Between Renaissance and Baroque: Jesuit Art in Rome, 1565-1610, page 61:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The flight attendant told passengers to use the ____ at the rear of the aircraft.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He asked for directions to the nearest ____ so that he could wash his hands before the formal dinner tonight.