toilet
toilet
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "toilet" is /ˈtɔɪ.lɪt/.
/ˈtɔɪ/
/lɪt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: toilet (singular), toilets (plural)
Adjective: toilet (used attributively, e.g., "toilet paper," "toilet brush") - no comparative/superlative forms.
Verb: toilet (rarely used as a verb in general English, though "to toilet train" is common; can be found in specialized contexts meaning "to go to the toilet").
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A fixed receptacle with a seat and a flushing mechanism, used for urinating and defecating.
Synonyms: lavatory, loo (informal, British), W.C. (water closet), commode (dated or specialized), latrine (military/public), washroom, restroom (American), convenience (public, British)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific fixture)
Definition 2: A room or building containing one or more such receptacles; a restroom.
Synonyms: restroom, washroom, bathroom, lavatory, W.C., loo (informal, British)
Antonyms: kitchen, bedroom, living room (as contrasting types of rooms)
Definition 3: (Dated or formal) The process of washing, dressing, and attending to one's appearance; a dressing table or area for this purpose.
Synonyms: grooming, dressing, ablutions, toilette (formal/French loanword), vanity
Antonyms: disarray, undress, slovenliness
Definition 4: (Dated or formal) A person's manner of dressing or general appearance.
Synonyms: attire, garb, costume, dress, fashion
Antonyms: dishabille, sloppiness
Verb
Definition 1 (informal/euphemistic): To use a toilet.
Synonyms: relieve oneself, use the washroom, go to the bathroom, urinate, defecate
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific action)
Definition 2 (transitive, often "toilet train"): To teach (a child or animal) to use a toilet.
Synonyms: potty train, housebreak (for animals)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He frantically searched for a public toilet, his bladder aching from the long journey." (Fictional example from an adventure or travel novel)
"The architect's design included a modern, minimalist toilet with water-saving features." (From a non-fiction book on sustainable architecture or home design)
"In historical novels, characters often refer to their morning toilet as a ritual of dressing and grooming." (From a historical fiction novel, e.g., Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë)
Newspapers:
"City Hall plans to construct more public toilets in Nairobi's informal settlements to improve sanitation." ("Daily Nation,")
"A new report highlights the global challenge of access to clean toilet facilities in developing countries." ("The Standard,")
"The hotel chain announced it would upgrade all guest room toilets with bidet attachments." ("Business Daily Africa,")
Online Publications:
"How to unclog a toilet yourself: A step-by-step guide for homeowners." (An article on a DIY or home improvement blog, e.g., The Spruce)
"The history of the modern toilet: From ancient Rome to smart tech." (An article on a history or science website, e.g., Smithsonian Magazine online)
"Choosing the best toilet paper for your family: Softness vs. strength." (A consumer review article on a product review site, e.g., Wirecutter)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I've gotta go to the toilet!" (Common dialogue in comedic or urgent scenes)
Television Series: "Our contestant must now face the ultimate challenge: cleaning a public toilet with only a toothbrush." (A task on a reality competition show, e.g., Fear Factor)
Song Lyrics: "No more heroes anymore... except the ones who clean the toilet floor." (From a punk or alternative rock song, often expressing disillusionment)
Video Games: "Your character desperately needs to use the toilet. Find the nearest restroom." (In-game notification in a simulation or survival game, e.g., The Sims)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the surprising innovations in toilet technology throughout history." (A podcast on everyday objects' history, e.g., 99% Invisible)
General Public Discourse:
"Where's the nearest toilet, please?" (A very common question asked in public places)
"I need to go to the toilet." (A common, polite way to say one needs to use the restroom)
"Did you remember to flush the toilet?" (A common reminder in a household)
"The toilet is blocked again; I need a plunger." (A common complaint about plumbing issues)
"He spent ages doing his toilet before the big party." (Referring to grooming and dressing, older or humorous usage)
10 Quotes Using Toilet
"Sooner or later, all magazines end up in the toilet." (Maurizio Cattelan)
"The first thing I do when I wake up is go to the toilet." (Lesser-known, but a very common, relatable everyday statement)
"I was thinking of making a sculpture of a toilet bowl, but I think someone already did that." (Original, playing on Marcel Duchamp's Fountain)
"You flush the toilet, you lose a little part of yourself." (Lesser-known, often used humorously or philosophically)
"Why do people always want to talk to you when you're in the toilet?" (Unknown, widely relatable humorous observation)
"No more heroes anymore... except the ones who clean the toilet floor." (Inspired by The Stranglers' "No More Heroes," reflecting a common sentiment in punk lyrics)
"I've gotta go to the toilet!" (Very common and recognizable line in film and TV for urgent comedic or dramatic effect)
"My phone fell in the toilet." (A common modern lament, widely relatable and often expressed as a memorable personal anecdote)
"Money down the toilet." (Common idiom, meaning money wasted)
"If you can make a good cup of coffee, and unclog a toilet, you'll be set for life." (Unknown, common practical advice, often shared humorously)
Etymology
The word "toilet" has a surprisingly fancy and evolving history!
It comes from the Old French word toilette (which is still used in modern French and English for a dressing table or grooming ritual).
Toilette was a diminutive of the Old French word toile, meaning "cloth" or "fabric."
The idea was that a toilette was originally a small cloth or piece of fabric, specifically one used for wrapping clothes, covering a dressing table, or for a towel.
So, when "toilet" first entered the English language in the mid-16th century (around 1540s), its initial meaning was "a cloth or covering for a dressing table."
From this literal cloth, the meaning gradually expanded to the things on the cloth, and then to the act of preparing oneself at that table:
By the late 17th century, it referred to the dressing table itself, along with the mirror and articles used for grooming.
Then, it shifted to the process of dressing and grooming one's person (e.g., "her morning toilet"). This meaning is still used today, though it sounds more formal or old-fashioned.
Finally, the meaning that is most common today, referring to the plumbing fixture for waste disposal and the room containing it, is a much later development, appearing in the late 18th century (around 1790s). This specific use likely came about as indoor plumbing became more widespread, and the room where one performed their "toilet" (dressing/grooming) often contained the new sanitary fixture. The name then transferred to the fixture itself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Toilet
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "toilet":
Toilet paper: Paper used for cleaning oneself after using the toilet.
Toilet bowl: The bowl-shaped part of a toilet fixture.
Toilet brush: A brush used for cleaning the toilet bowl.
Toilet training/potty training: The process of teaching a child to use the toilet.
Public toilet: A toilet facility available for use by the general public.
To flush the toilet: To operate the flushing mechanism of a toilet.
Money down the toilet: Money that has been wasted; squandered funds.
Toilet humor: Jokes or humor that refer to bodily functions (urination, defecation), often considered crude.
To go to the toilet: To use the toilet (a common euphemism).
A quick trip to the toilet: A short visit to the restroom. (Synonym for "brief restroom visit")
To be tied to the toilet: (Informal) Suffering from diarrhea or frequent need to use the toilet.
To use the facilities: A more polite or formal way to refer to using the toilet. (Synonym)
To powder one's nose: (Euphemism, often for women) To use the restroom. (Synonym)
Bathroom break: A short pause during an activity to use the restroom. (Synonym)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of toilet from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
