ladies'

alternative ladies

1. possessive case of lady: belonging to some or all ladies.
2. abbreviationellipsiseuphemisticinformalEllipsis of ladies' room (“a lavatory intended for use by women”).

   "...Where's the ladies' in this joint? I've to powder me nose."

   1996, Deirdre Purcell, Roses After Rain, page 335

   3 more examples

   Kemp left me to go to the ladies'. I pulled out a paperback I had in my pocket.

   1968, John Fowles, The Magus, page 568

   "I'm dressed as a woman, but I am still technically a man. I believe that to comply with the law of the land I ought to continue to use the Gents', but in order not to look out place I intend to use the Ladies' from now on. I trust none of you will grass on me..."

   2004, David Nobbs, Sex and Other Changes, page 95

   When he was quite satisfied with his handiwork, The Poet opened the toilet window, and then walked quickly from the gents' into the ladies'.

   2014, Trevor Dalton, Rhyme for Reason, page 102

   Synonyms: bathroom, latrine, necessarium, toilet, toilet room, urinal, water closet, WC

3. abbreviationellipsisinformalEllipsis of ladies' department: a section of a department store where clothing is sold for adult females.