rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal walls
rectal cancer
rectally adverb

Examples of rectal 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.
O’Hara, the beloved two-time Emmy-winning SCTV, Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek alumna, died of a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as the underlying cause in late January of this year at age 71. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2026 In a new interview, Rogen and co-creator Evan Goldberg told the Times of London that they were forced to suddenly change the entire season following O’Hara’s death from a pulmonary embolism and rectal cancer. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2026 Her death certificate cited the main cause as pulmonary embolism and rectal cancer as an underlying cause. Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026 Her death certificate also listed rectal cancer as a contributing cause. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective
rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal bleeding
rectally adverb

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