Spanish word

lavabo

Pronunciation

IPA/laˈβaβo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsink

Example

El lavabo está limpio.

The sink is clean.

Illustration for lavabo (sink)

More examples

El lavabo del baño está atascado.

The bathroom sink is clogged.

Core concept

Shallow bowl mounted on a counter or wall for washing hands and face, with a faucet and drain.

Common phrases

  • lavabo del baño

    bathroom sink

  • lavabo de manos

    hand sink

  • lavabo doble

    double sink

Similar words

lavamanos: Compact washbasin fixed in a bathroom for washing hands and face.
fregadero: Deep kitchen sink used for washing dishes, pots, and food preparation.

Definition in Spanish

Elemento sanitario consistente en una pileta o cuenco con grifo y desagüe, usado para lavarse las manos y la cara.

Word origin

Derived from Latin lavare 'to wash' through the medieval Latin form lavabo, which was reinterpreted from a verb into a noun for a washing vessel.

Usage tips

  • On public signs lavabo can mean the washroom or wash area rather than only the basin.

Other meanings

  • washroomnoun
  • washbasinnoun

Word lists with this word