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# the gents

phrase (noun phrase, «the gents», also «the Gents»; plural form, used as singular)

«the gents» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (everyday, UK) the men's public toilet.
2. (old-fashioned) gentlemen, men.

### In the lessons

A short, everyday British, Irish and Australian word on signs and in speech, from «gentlemen's toilet». It avoids saying «toilet» outright and is neutral, a little homely. In the US people say «the men's room».

### Examples

- (pub) "Where's Tom?" "He's in the gents."
- (sign) Gents →
- (restaurant) Excuse me, which way is the gents?
- (school trip) The boys queued outside the gents at the service station.
- (chat) back in a sec, need the gents
- (football ground) The gents at half-time had a huge queue.
- (old) "Ladies and gents, welcome to the show!"

### Note

Trap: «the gents» is singular in meaning (one toilet room) but looks plural: «The gents is upstairs.» The women's is «the ladies». US English: «men's room». «Ladies and gents» means ladies and gentlemen, not toilets.