Definition

Noun: A public toilet; a room or small building containing one or more toilets and washing facilities that is accessible for use by any member of the public, often for a fee. It is typically found in parks, transportation hubs, and city streets.

Usage

The term "public lavatory" is a formal and somewhat dated British English term for a public toilet or restroom. It is used to specify a facility intended for general public use, as opposed to a private bathroom in a home or business.

Examples

• The city council installed a new public lavatory near the bus station.
• Finding a clean public lavatory can be difficult in some areas.
• There is a sign directing tourists to the public lavatory in the park.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in official contexts, such as in city planning documents or public health regulations.
  • The new regulations require all public lavatories to have baby-changing facilities.

Variants and Related Words

• Public toilet(s): The more common and neutral modern term.
• Restroom (AmE): A common American English term, often used in public buildings.
• Ladies'/Gents' (BrE): Common British English terms to specify gender-specific facilities.
• WC (Water Closet): A formal term, common in many European languages and sometimes seen on signs.
• Lavatory: Can refer to any room with a toilet and sink, but is often associated with aircraft or formal settings.

Synonyms

• Public convenience
• Public toilet
• Restroom (AmE)
• Washroom (AmE/CanE)
• Comfort station (formal/dated)

Related Phrases

• Pay toilet: A specific type of public lavatory that requires a coin or token for entry.
  • The public lavatory at the train station is a pay toilet.
• Public facilities: A broader term that can include public lavatories along with other amenities like drinking fountains.

Noun

1. a toilet that is available to the public