Toilet Meaning and Definition
Toilet
Pronunciation
/ˈtoɪlɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A low, enclosed vessel, usually having a seat and a lid, used for the removal of human waste.
Examples
- After finishing his business, he flushed the toilet.
- The toilet was clogged and needed to be fixed.
Synonyms
- Lavatory
- Bathroom
Antonyms
- Urinal
- Commode
Etymology
The word “Toilet” comes from the French word “toilette”, meaning “closet” or “privy”, which is derived from the Old French word “toil”, meaning “closet” or “press”.
Usage Notes
Toilet is typically used in formal or more educated contexts. In informal situations, people may use more colloquial terms such as “bathroom” or “loo”.
Cultural References
The toilet has been depicted in various forms of media, including films, literature, and comics. For example, the toilet has been featured in the movie “Psycho” and in the comic book series “The Simpsons”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Toilet as part of an idiomatic expression: “Need a toilet break” (meaning to take a short break or pause).
Related Words or Phrases
- Bathroom
- Lavatory
- Commode
- Urinal
Collocations
- Flush the toilet
- Use the toilet
- Clean the toilet
Frequency of Use
Toilet is a common word in everyday language, with approximately 1.2 million searches per month in English-speaking countries.
Common Misspellings
- Tolet
- Tiolet
- Tiolette