Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Definition of toilet noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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toilet

noun
toilet pronunciation English ˈtɔɪlət toilet pronunciation American ˈtɔɪlət
 
1 [countable] a large bowl attached to a pipe that you sit on or stand over when you get rid of waste matter from your bodyHave you flushed the toilet? (British English) I need to go to the toilet (= use the toilet).a toilet seattoilet facilitiesDo you need the toilet? 2 (British English) (North American English bathroom) [countable] a room containing a toiletEvery flat has its own bathroom and toilet.Who's in the toilet?3 (British English) [countable] (also toilets [plural]) a room or small building containing several toilets, each in a separate smaller roompublic toiletsCould you tell me where the ladies' toilet is, please?4 [uncountable] (old-fashioned) the process of washing and dressing yourself, arranging your hair, etc.
Usage notesUsage note: toilet / bathroomIn British English, but not in North American English, the room that has a toilet in it is usually referred to as a toilet. This room in people’s houses can also be called the lavatory, or informally, the loo. An extra downstairs toilet in a house can be called the cloakroom. In public places, especially on signs, the words toilets, Gents (for men’s toilets) or Ladies (for women’s toilets) are used for a room or small building containing several toilets. You might also see WC or Public Conveniences on some signs.In North American English the room that contains a toilet is usually called the bathroom, never the toilet. A room with a toilet in a public place can also be called a restroom, ladies’ room, women’s room or men’s room. Washroom is also used, especially in Canada.