colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnä-skə-pē 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

colonoscope

kō-ˈlä-nə-ˌskōp 

noun

Examples of colonoscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

The star proceeded to ask if anyone in the audience has undergone a colonoscopy. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

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

If an at-home kit or Guardant’s Shield blood test shows an abnormal result, a follow-up colonoscopy is an absolute must, ideally within six months. — Eric Wargotz, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colonoscopy

• virtual colonoscopy

Rhymes for colonoscopy

• laparoscopy
• arthroscopy
• fluoroscopy
• spectroscopy

Medical Definition

colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnäs-kə-pē  ˌkäl-ə- 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

transabdominal colonoscopy with a sigmoidoscope via colotomy

colonoscopic

kō-ˌlän-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective