bowel movement

noun

plural bowel movements

: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus

He had a two-day history of right lower abdominal pain … without bowel movements.

—William W. Scott, Jr. et al.

also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool sense 3a

Cats get infected from contact with other cats' bowel movements or by predation.

—Donald Caslow

Examples of bowel movement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which can help keep bowel movements regular. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a tough microscopic parasite that can give you watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

The fiber in kiwis is especially good at absorbing and retaining water, which can help soften stool and make bowel movements easier. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026

Additionally, fiber is key for gut health, acting as a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bowel movement

• improvement

Kids Definition

bowel movement

noun

: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus

also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool

Medical Definition

bowel movement

noun

: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus