How to pronounce lavatory
Say it like LAV-uh-tor-ee. Lavatory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lavatory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAV
- uh
- tor
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lavatory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- torKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of lavatory
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LAV-uh-tree.
What does lavatory mean?
- A vessel or fixture for washing, particularly
- A laver: a washbasin.
- A piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels.
- Washing, or cleansing by washing.
Where does lavatory come from?
From Middle English lavatorie, from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (forming places related to an activity).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying lavatory
How do you pronounce lavatory?
Say LAV-uh-tor-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈlævətɔri/. In British English it is /ˈlævətri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lavatory?
Lavatory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAV). Broken into parts: LAV · uh · tor · ee.
Is lavatory pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈlævətri/ (LAV-uh-tree).