lavatory

[ lav-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ˈlæv əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

a room fitted with equipment for washing the hands and face and usually with flush toilet facilities.

a flush toilet; water closet.

a bowl or basin with running water for washing or bathing purposes; washbowl.

any place where washing is done.

Origin of lavatory

1325–75; Middle English lavatorie < Late Latin lavātōrium washing-place, equivalent to Latin lavā(re) to wash + -tōrium -tory²

He jiggled the faceted glass door knob to let the person inside know he was hogging the lavatory.

Exclusive Excerpt: MLK's Haunting Final Hours |Hampton Sides |April 24, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
But these visits to the lavatory had become such an abuse that it was decided to take remedial measures.

Spontaneous Activity in Education |Maria Montessori
It is well known what disorder was caused by this 'question of the lavatory.'

Spontaneous Activity in Education |Maria Montessori
After about a moment, the head was withdrawn and the door of the lavatory replaced.

The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 4 (of 25) |Robert Louis Stevenson

About to leave the lavatory, one of the towels 133 on her arm slid to the floor as she essayed to open the door.

Marjorie Dean College Freshman |Pauline Lester
Before taking any action he would have to confirm what he had seen through the window of the lavatory.

In the Control Tower |Will Mohler

lavatory

/ (ˈlævətərɪ, -trɪ) /

Also called: toilet, water closet, WC

a sanitary installation for receiving and disposing of urine and faeces, consisting of a bowl fitted with a water-flushing device and connected to a drain
a room containing such an installation

the washing place in a convent or monastic establishment

C14: from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre to wash