Toilet
UK /["/ˈtɔɪlət/"]/US /["/ˈtɔɪlət/"]/
Definition
a large bowl attached to a pipe that you sit on or stand over when you get rid of waste matter from your body
In simple words: A room or place with a toilet you use for going to the bathroom.
Examples
- I need to find a toilet before the movie starts.
- The toilet was very clean and didn't smell bad.
- Can you show me where the nearest toilet is?
- They installed a new toilet in the bathroom.
- In some cultures, the toilet is a separate room from the bathroom.
Usage notes
Commonly used in everyday conversation. In some formal contexts, it's more polite to use terms like 'restroom' or 'bathroom.' Avoid using in very formal writing.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Toilet sounds like 'toy-let' — imagine a kid playing with a toy in a bathroom.
Collocations
- flush
- flushing
- portable
- go to
- use
- visit
- bowl
- seat
- paper
- in the toilet
- on the toilet
- public
- communal
- shared
- public
- communal
- shared
Synonyms
- bathroom
- restroom
- lavatory
- washroom
- comfort station
Antonyms
- sink
- bathroom
- lavatory
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'lavatory' — 'lavatory' is more formal.
- Using 'toilets' when talking about one single room — should be 'toilet'.
- Assuming 'toilet' is always offensive — it's neutral but context matters.