bowel movement

noun

plural bowel movements
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
He had a two-day history of right lower abdominal pain … without bowel movements.William W. Scott, Jr. et al.
also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool sense 3a
Cats get infected from contact with other cats' bowel movements or by predation. Donald Caslow

Examples of bowel movement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key Takeaways Eating 30 grams of fiber per day supports gut bacteria, regular bowel movements, heart health, and may lower the risk of certain cancers. Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026 In the short term, maintaining regular, soft bowel movements can help relieve straining (more on this next), lessening symptoms such as pain, itching, and bleeding from inflamed veins. Sarah Garone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026 These are more likely to cause painless rectal bleeding or tissue that protrudes during a bowel movement. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026 The seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping to feed gut bacteria while also promoting regular bowel movements, research has shown. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bowel movement

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowel movement was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bowel movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowel%20movement. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

bowel movement

noun
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool

Medical Definition

bowel movement

noun
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster