defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

1

: to discharge from the anus

2

: to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That species, while not venomous, often bites and defecates a foul-smelling musk when handled. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 28 May 2026

The goats were going wild and defecating everywhere. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 20 June 2026

The virus lives in feces and can spread when a person who is infected doesn’t wash their hands properly after defecating (pooping). — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Butterfly, Cenedella says, is often yelling at people on the street, defecating on the sidewalk. — Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin defaecatus, past participle of defaecare, from de- + faec-, faex dregs, lees

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for defecate

• hecate

Kids Definition

defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

: to expel feces from the bowels

defecation

ˌdef-i-ˈkā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate

variants or chiefly British defaecate

ˈdef-i-ˌkāt 

defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels