lavatory
gb/lˈævətˌɔɹi/ us/lˈævətˌɔɹi/
B1
English
mosdó, mellékhelyiség, mosdókagyló
NOUN
B1
FORMAL
1
mosdó
A2
Usage pattern:
the lavatory; a lavatory; [place]'s lavatory
Excuse me—where’s the lavatory?
Elnézést, hol van a mosdó?
The plane has two lavatories, one at the front and one at the back.
A repülőgépen két mosdó van, egy elöl és egy hátul.
There’s a lavatory at the end of the corridor on the left.
Learner examples
Where is the lavatory?
Hol van a mosdó?
I need to use the lavatory.
Ki kell mennem a mosdóba.
Common mistake:
Often confused with laboratory (a place for science).
Meaning
a toilet or restroom
Collocations
use the lavatory
|go to the lavatory
|public lavatory
|aircraft lavatory
|train lavatory
|lavatory door
|lavatory sign
|lavatory facilities
|lavatory attendant
|lavatory break
Synonyms
toilet (Most common general word (BrE and AmE).)
|
restroom (Common AmE polite term, especially in public places.)
|
bathroom (Common euphemism, even when there is no bath.)
|
washroom (Common in Canada and some public signage.)
Themes
daily_life
|travel
|public_places
Definition
A toilet or restroom, often in public places or on transport.
A room or place with a toilet, especially in a public building, on a plane, or on a train.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
2
mosdókagyló
B1
mosdó
A2
Usage pattern:
a lavatory; [material] lavatory; lavatory sink
The contractor installed a new lavatory in the powder room.
A kivitelező új mosdókagylót szerelt be a vendégmosdóba.
The specification calls for a wall-mounted lavatory with a single-handle faucet.
A műszaki leírás falra szerelt mosdót ír elő egykaros csapteleppel.
The lavatory drain was clogged and needed to be replaced.
Learner examples
The bathroom has a lavatory (sink).
A fürdőszobában van egy mosdókagyló.
Common mistake:
In everyday English, ‘lavatory’ usually means a toilet/restroom, not a sink.
Meaning
a bathroom sink or washbasin
Collocations
lavatory sink
|wall-hung lavatory
|pedestal lavatory
|porcelain lavatory
|install a lavatory
|replace the lavatory
|lavatory faucet
|lavatory drain
|lavatory basin
|lavatory cabinet
Synonyms
washbasin (General term for a basin used for washing.)
|
bathroom sink (Everyday term in home contexts.)
|
basin (Common BrE term for a sink used for washing.)
Themes
home
|housing
|tools
Definition
A bathroom sink (used mainly by builders and plumbers).
A fixed basin with a tap used for washing hands and face, especially as a term used in American building and plumbing contexts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lavatory
IPA
GB/lˈævətˌɔɹi/
US/lˈævətˌɔɹi/
Syllables & stress
lav - at - ory (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lav)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: lavatory
- Plural: lavatories
Word family
Expressions
go to the lavatory
1/ɡˈoʊ tə ðə lˈævətˌɔɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
go to the toilet
To go to the toilet.
Examples
- I’m just going to the lavatory—I'll be right back.
- She asked the flight attendant if she could go to the lavatory.
- He went to the lavatory before the meeting started.
Learner examples
- I need to go to the lavatory.
lavatory attendant
1/lˈævətˌɔɹi ətˈɛndənt/
fixed phrase
person who manages public toilets
A worker who takes care of a public toilet.
Examples
- A lavatory attendant was restocking soap and paper towels.
- He worked as a lavatory attendant at the theatre.
- The hotel employed a lavatory attendant during busy events.
lavatory break
1/lˈævətˌɔɹi bɹˈeɪk/
fixed phrase
short break to use toilet
A short break to go to the toilet.
Examples
- Let’s take a quick lavatory break before we continue.
- The guide scheduled a lavatory break at the next stop.
- During the long meeting, he asked for a brief lavatory break.
Learner examples
- We will take a lavatory break.
lavatory humor
1/lˈævətˌɔɹi hjˈumɚ/
fixed phrase
jokes about bodily functions
Jokes about toilets and bodily functions.
Examples
- The movie relies heavily on lavatory humor.
- Some parents complained about the show’s lavatory humor.
- He dislikes lavatory humor and prefers more subtle comedy.
use the lavatory
1/jˈuz ðə lˈævətˌɔɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
use the toilet
To use the toilet.
Examples
- Passengers are asked to remain seated unless they need to use the lavatory.
- May I use the lavatory, please?
- You can use the lavatory after the seatbelt sign goes off.
Learner examples
- Can I use the lavatory?