lavs

Meaning

1. 1nounpluralBritishinformal

   Toilets, especially public ones in a school, office, or other building.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun: 'The lavs are down the hall.' The singular 'lav' exists but is less common.

   Patterns

   • the lavs
   • go to the lavs

   Excuse me, where are the lavs?

   The lavs on the second floor are being cleaned.

   He asked if he could use the lavs before the meeting started.

Word forms

Common combinations

the gents' lavs

The gents' lavs are just past the reception desk.

the ladies' lavs

She popped into the ladies' lavs to check her hair.

public lavs

The public lavs in the park close at sunset.

use the lavs

Can I use the lavs, please?

Synonyms and how they differ

toilet

The neutral, standard word in British English; 'lavs' is more informal and often plural.

loo

Also British informal, but usually singular and often refers to a toilet in a home.

bathroom

The usual American word, even when there is no bath.

restroom

American, more polite and common in public places.

Word family

lavatory noun

A more formal word for a toilet or washroom.

Practice

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