colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnä-skə-pē How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio)
plural colonoscopies
: endoscopic examination of the colon
colonoscope noun

Examples of colonoscopy 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.
Both gave him a chance to preach about prioritizing prostate health and colonoscopies, a potentially lifesaving message for fans who have grown up with the franchise. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 June 2026 In 2023, only 53% of Hispanic people and 57% of Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native people were up to date on colonoscopies, compared with 67% of white people. Lily Alvino, NBC news, 24 June 2026 One dad in Arizona, 55-year-old Xavier Chapa, said his 50-year-old wife has been fighting her insurance company over a preventive colonoscopy that her doctor had recommended. Ali Swenson, Fortune, 20 June 2026 One dad in Arizona, 55-year-old Xavier Chapa, said his 50-year-old wife has been fighting her insurance company over a preventive colonoscopy that her doctor had recommended. ABC News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for colonoscopy

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colonoscopy was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Colonoscopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonoscopy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

colonoscopy

noun
co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnäs-kə-pē How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio) ˌkäl-ə- How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio)
plural colonoscopies
: endoscopic examination of the colon
transabdominal colonoscopy with a sigmoidoscope via colotomy
colonoscopic adjective
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