Lavatory vs. Washbasin — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
Lavatory refers to a room or compartment with toilet facilities, while a washbasin is a sink used primarily for handwashing.
Difference Between Lavatory and Washbasin
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A lavatory typically denotes a bathroom or a room containing toilet fixtures. It can include various facilities like toilets, bidets, and sometimes even a washbasin, depending on the context and location. On the other hand, a washbasin is specifically a type of sink designed primarily for washing hands and face, often found within lavatories, kitchens, or personal grooming areas.
In terms of usage, the term "lavatory" is more comprehensive, covering aspects related to personal hygiene beyond just washing. Whereas a washbasin has a narrower scope, focusing mainly on activities involving hand and face washing.
Functionally, a lavatory serves multiple hygiene functions, including waste disposal and sometimes bathing, depending on its setup. On the other hand, a washbasin is limited to washing activities, lacking features for waste disposal or other extensive hygiene functions.
Structurally, lavatories are often equipped with several fixtures to accommodate comprehensive hygiene needs, including showers or bathtubs in full bathrooms. In contrast, washbasins are singular fixtures that do not include additional hygiene amenities.
In public and commercial settings, lavatories are essential for providing complete personal hygiene facilities to the public or employees, reflecting broader utility. Meanwhile, washbasins, while often included within public lavatories, are also standalone fixtures in smaller or more confined spaces.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A room with toilet and sometimes bath facilities.
A sink designed for washing hands and face.
Scope
Includes multiple hygiene functions.
Limited to hand and face washing.
Function
Used for waste disposal and washing.
Used only for washing.
Structure
May include toilets, sinks, showers, or tubs.
Typically a standalone sink.
Typical Setting
Bathrooms in homes, public restrooms.
Bathrooms, kitchens, grooming areas.
Compare with Definitions
Lavatory
A room containing a toilet and facilities for washing.
The airplane's lavatory was compact but clean.
Washbasin
A bowl-shaped fixture used for washing hands, face, and sometimes small personal items.
She filled the washbasin with warm water to wash the makeup off her face.
Lavatory
A compartment in a vehicle equipped with a toilet.
There is a lavatory at the end of each coach in the train.
Washbasin
A sink located in a bathroom or near a toilet for hygiene purposes.
The washbasin is fitted next to the mirror for convenience.
Lavatory
A fixture or room for washing hands and face, often used in British English.
He rinsed his face in the lavatory before leaving.
Washbasin
A fixture used for basic washing needs in a variety of settings.
He installed a new ceramic washbasin in the pottery studio for easy cleanup.
Lavatory
A bathroom in a residential or public setting.
The restaurant’s lavatory was fully equipped with modern amenities.
Washbasin
A standalone sink in public or private washrooms.
The corridor has a small washbasin for guests.
Lavatory
Another term for toilet, especially in public or formal usage.
Please clean the lavatory regularly to maintain hygiene.
Washbasin
A part of bathroom furniture, often integrated into a countertop.
Their new bathroom features an elegant marble washbasin.
Lavatory
A room, building, or cubicle containing a toilet or toilets
He locked himself in the downstairs lavatory
Public lavatories
Washbasin
See washbowl.
Lavatory
A room equipped with washing and often toilet facilities; a bathroom.
Washbasin
A basin used for washing, particularly a permanently installed sink, fitted with a water supply and a drain, for washing the hands and face.
Lavatory
A washbowl or basin, especially one permanently installed with running water.
Washbasin
A bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and connected to a water supply and drainpipe; where you wash your hands and face;
He ran some water in the basin and splashed it on his face
Lavatory
A flush toilet.
Washbasin
A basin for washing the hands (`wash-hand basin' is a British expression)
Lavatory
A vessel or fixture for washing, particularly:
Lavatory
A laver: a washbasin.
Lavatory
(archaic) A bathtub.
Lavatory
(Christianity) A piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels.
Lavatory
(Christianity) A lavabo: the basin used for washing one's hands before handling the Eucharist.
Lavatory
A baptismal font: the basin used for baptism, used figuratively for the washing away of sins.
Lavatory
(construction, interior design) A plumbing fixture used for washing: a sink.
Their 'bathroom' included a toilet and a lavatory but no bath.
Lavatory
Handwashing as an act, particularly
Lavatory
(Christianity) The lavabo: the ritual washing of hands before handling the eucharist.
Lavatory
(Christianity) The ritual washing of hands after using the piscina to clean the communion vessels.
Lavatory
(obsolete) A liquid used in washing; a lotion; a wash; a rinse.
Lavatory
(dated) A washroom: a room used for washing the face and hands.
Lavatory
(euphemism) A room containing a toilet: a bathroom US or WC UK.
Americans don't know 'WC' and Brits mock 'bathroom' but everyone usually understands 'toilet' or 'lavatory'.
Lavatory
A plumbing fixture for urination and defecation: a toilet.
Lavatory
(dated) A place to wash clothes: a laundry.
Lavatory
(obsolete) A place where gold is panned.
Lavatory
(obsolete) A paved room in a mortuary where corpses are kept under a shower of disinfecting fluid.
Lavatory
(dated) Washing, or cleansing by washing.
Lavatory
Washing, or cleansing by washing.
Lavatory
A place for washing.
Lavatory
A basin or other vessel for washing in.
Lavatory
A wash or lotion for a diseased part.
Lavatory
A place where gold is obtained by washing.
Lavatory
A room containing one or more sinks for washing, as well as one or more toilet fixtures; also called bathroom, toilet, and sometimes commode. Commode and toilet may refer to a room with only a toilet fixture, but without a sink.
Lavatory
A room equipped with toilet facilities
Lavatory
A bathroom or lavatory sink that is permanently installed and connected to a water supply and drainpipe; where you wash your hands and face;
He ran some water in the basin and splashed it on his face
Lavatory
A toilet that is cleaned of waste by the flow of water through it
Common Curiosities
Can a washbasin be part of a lavatory?
Yes, a washbasin can be part of a lavatory, especially in settings where both toilet and handwashing facilities are needed.
Where might one find a washbasin outside of a lavatory?
Washbasins can also be found in kitchens, laundry rooms, and grooming areas, apart from lavatories.
What kind of maintenance does a lavatory require?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of all fixtures, including toilets and sinks, are necessary for a lavatory.
Are there different styles of washbasins?
Yes, there are various styles of washbasins, including pedestal, wall-mounted, and countertop models.
What is a lavatory used for?
A lavatory is used for a variety of personal hygiene activities, including using the toilet, washing hands, and sometimes bathing.
Is a lavatory the same as a bathroom?
Yes, in many contexts, the term lavatory is synonymous with a bathroom, especially in residential settings.
What materials are commonly used to make washbasins?
Washbasins are commonly made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, glass, or stone.
Can a lavatory exist without a toilet?
Technically, a lavatory refers specifically to a space with toilet facilities, so a room without a toilet but with other washing facilities might better be described as a washroom or bathroom.
What is the main function of a washbasin?
The main function of a washbasin is for washing hands and face.
What are the health implications of not having a washbasin in a lavatory?
The absence of a washbasin in a lavatory can compromise personal hygiene, increasing the risk of spreading germs and infections.
Can the terms lavatory and washbasin be used interchangeably?
No, they refer to different things; a lavatory is a room or area with toilet facilities, while a washbasin is specifically a sink for washing.
How has the design of lavatories evolved over time?
Modern lavatories often feature space-saving designs, eco-friendly fixtures, and improved aesthetics.
How do public lavatories differ from home lavatories?
Public lavatories are designed for higher traffic and more rigorous use, often equipped with multiple stalls and sinks.
Is a washbasin necessary in every lavatory?
While not mandatory, most lavatories include a washbasin for handwashing after toilet use.
What innovations are common in modern washbasins?
Innovations in washbasins include touchless faucets, integrated soap dispensers, and water-saving designs.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
