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

Insoluble fiber bulks up stool, making bowel movements easier to pass, because this fiber does not dissolve in water. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 May 2026

Fiber supports gut health by promoting regular, comfortable bowel movements and providing beneficial bacteria. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 May 2026

Illness or infection Chronic stress Poor sleep When that imbalance happens, symptoms can include bloating, gas, nausea, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel movements, according to UMass Memorial Health. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026

Symptoms may include bloating, gas, nausea, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel movements, according to UMass Memorial Health. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 May 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