toiletries
TOY-luh-treez
/ˈtɔɪ.lə.triz/
Articles used in washing and taking care of one's body, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap.
Plural noun. Refers specifically to personal hygiene products used while traveling.
The story behind the word. From French 'toilette', a diminutive of 'toile' (cloth). Originally it meant a cloth spread out while brushing hair and applying cosmetics, eventually shifting to mean the grooming products themselves.
Word relationships
- personal care items: Personal care items is a broader formal term covering hygiene and cosmetics.
- toilet articles: Toilet articles is an older, formal synonym.
Commonly confused with
- toilet: Toilet refers to the bathroom fixture, whereas toiletries refers to grooming products like soap and toothpaste.
Collocations
- travel-sized toiletries
- liquid toiletries
- toiletries bag
- pack toiletries
Example sentences
- "Place all liquid toiletries into a clear plastic pouch to clear airport security quickly." Packing Advice
- "The hotel bathroom was well-stocked with complimentary toiletries." Hotel Services
- "She bought travel-sized toiletries so they would fit easily into her bag." Travel Prep
Memory hook
Items used at your vanity or TOILET-table. Grooming items for personal care.
When not to use
Do not use as a singular noun ('a toiletry'); refer instead to 'a toiletry item' or specific items like 'shampoo'.
Fun facts
- In 18th-century France, 'faire sa toilette' meant the elaborate social ritual of dressing and powdering hair.
Related words
Explore more words
shampoo, Grooming, hygiene, equipment, provisions, Moisturize
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