Meaning & use
toiletries
Last updated
“toiletries” is a form of “toiletry”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Everyday items used for washing and grooming the body, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.
Grammar: Always plural with a plural verb: the toiletries were in a clear bag.
Patterns
- pack toiletries
- a bag of toiletries
I forgot my toiletries, so I had to buy toothpaste at the hotel shop.
Airlines limit the size of liquid toiletries in hand luggage.
The gift basket included soap, shampoo and other luxury toiletries.
Word forms
| singular | toiletry |
|---|
Common combinations
- pack your toiletries
- Don't forget to pack your toiletries before the trip.
- toiletries bag
- She kept her razor in a small toiletries bag.
- travel-size toiletries
- He bought travel-size toiletries for the flight.
- complimentary toiletries
- The hotel provides complimentary toiletries in every room.
- basic toiletries
- The charity gives basic toiletries to people without a home.
Synonyms and how they differ
- toiletry items
- This is a slightly more formal phrase for the same things, often used on packing lists.
- grooming products
- This focuses on hair, skin and shaving, leaving out items like toilet paper or soap.
- cosmetics
- This refers to makeup and beauty products, whereas toiletries are mostly practical hygiene items.
- hygiene products
- This is a broader or more clinical phrase and can include sanitary items that people rarely call toiletries.
Word family
Commonly confused: toiletries or cosmetics?
toiletries vs cosmetics
Cosmetics improve appearance, for example lipstick; toiletries keep you clean, for example soap.
Practice
Before the flight, Maria packed her ___ in a clear plastic bag.
Choose one answer.
Toiletries are washing and grooming items like shampoo. Stationery, utensils and furnishings do not belong in a bag for the bathroom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “toiletries”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.