colitis

noun

co·​li·​tis kō-ˈlī-təs 

kə-

: inflammation of the colon

Examples of colitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or colitis may not tolerate high-fiber meals as well and sometimes require a lower-fiber approach. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026

Studies have shown that coffee enemas can cause inflammation of your colon’s lining (a condition called colitis) or your rectum (known as proctitis). —Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026

These include ileitis and jejunoileitis (where parts of the small intestine are inflamed), ileocolitis (where the last part of the small intestine, known as the ileum, and colon are inflamed), and colitis (where only the colon is involved). —Korin Miller, SELF, 31 Mar. 2026

Solomon said Ahmad likely suffered from colitis, a condition that can cause frequent diarrhea and can in some cases contribute to death. —ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colitis

• ulcerative colitis

Rhymes for colitis

• enterocolitis

Medical Definition

colitis

noun

co·​li·​tis kō-ˈlīt-əs, kə- 

: inflammation of the colon see ulcerative colitis