Difference Between Lavatory & Sink

Modern Usage

• In the United States, the term "sink" is commonly used to refer to the wash basins located in bathrooms and in kitchens. The term lavatory is not typically used by many people in this same way. However, when someone in the United States refers to a lavatory, they are generally referring to the toilet and not typically to the bathroom sink or wash basin.

Etymology

• The etymology of the terms "sink" and "lavatory" differ somewhat in terms of historic origins. The terms lavatory has historically referred to a wash basin for the hands and face. It wasn't until 1924 that the term became synonymous with bathroom usage and, as an extension, the toilet. The term "sink" historically refers to a shallow basin that is attached to some type of drain pipe. This usage can be traced back to the 1560s and can be further traced to the previous century when it referred to a shallow waste pit. The irony is that "sink" should have become synonymous with toilet, given its etymological origins.

Purpose

• Sinks are typically defined as wash basins that are used for washing things, rather than people. Lavatories or basins are used for the purpose of washing people. Both terms are used interchangeably at times. Kitchen sinks are often used for both purposes, while bathroom lavatories are often only used for the purpose of hand washing and other actions performed in the bathroom, such as brushing your teeth.

Materials

• One of the ways in which the lavatory and the sink can be similar is in terms of the types of materials from which they are made. Both are made of materials like stainless steel, enameled steel, porcelain and other durable materials. Styles sometimes differ, however, as it is not uncommon to see a standalone lavatory in the bathroom, whereas kitchen sinks are often built into the existing cabinetry.