A1 noun Neutral #226 most common

toilet

/ˈtɔɪ.lət/

A large bowl-shaped fixture used for getting rid of body waste, usually found in a bathroom. It is also a common word for the room that contains this bowl.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Excuse me, where is the toilet?

Excuse me, where is the toilet?

2

The building is equipped with a modern public toilet for visitors.

The building is equipped with a modern public toilet for visitors.

3

The toilet in this cafe is very clean.

The toilet in this cafe is very clean.

Word Family

Noun
toilet
Verb
to toilet
Adverb
null
Adjective
null
Related
toiletry
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'T' for 'Target'. You need to find your target when you need to go!

Quick Quiz

Don't forget to wash your hands after using the ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: toilet

Examples

1

Excuse me, where is the toilet?

everyday

Excuse me, where is the toilet?

2

The building is equipped with a modern public toilet for visitors.

formal

The building is equipped with a modern public toilet for visitors.

3

The toilet in this cafe is very clean.

informal

The toilet in this cafe is very clean.

4

Access to a private toilet is a key indicator of living standards.

academic

Access to a private toilet is a key indicator of living standards.

5

Please report any issues with the staff toilet to maintenance.

business

Please report any issues with the staff toilet to maintenance.

Word Family

Noun
toilet
Verb
to toilet
Adverb
null
Adjective
null
Related
toiletry

Common Collocations

flush the toilet flush the toilet
clean the toilet clean the toilet
toilet paper toilet paper
public toilet public toilet
toilet seat toilet seat

Common Phrases

go to the toilet

to use the bathroom

down the toilet

wasted or lost completely

toilet break

a short pause to use the bathroom

Often Confused With

toilet vs bathroom

In US English, 'bathroom' is the polite room name; 'toilet' usually refers specifically to the porcelain bowl.

toilet vs toiletries

Toiletries are soap and shampoo, while a toilet is the plumbing fixture.

📝

Usage Notes

In the UK, it is common to ask for 'the toilet'. In the US, it is more polite to ask for the 'restroom' or 'bathroom'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'the toilet' in the US, which can sound slightly too graphic or direct in social situations.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'T' for 'Target'. You need to find your target when you need to go!

📖

Word Origin

From the French word 'toilette', which originally meant a small cloth or a dressing table cover.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one toilet, two toilets Used with 'the' when referring to a specific one in a house
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, it is standard to keep the toilet in a private room with a locking door.

Quick Quiz

Don't forget to wash your hands after using the ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: toilet

More Home words

dining room

A1

A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.

garage

A1

A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.

basement

A1

A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.

balcony

A1

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

porch

A1

A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.

drawer

A1

A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.

fridge

A1

A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.

stove

A1

A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.

microwave

A1

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.

washing machine

A1

A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free