constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
1
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
2

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.
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.
According to scientists at Arizona State University (ASU), who conducted the current study, around 30 to 50% of people with autism experience serious gut problems like constipation, diarrhea and stomach pain. Nick Lavars, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025 The trial found that different doses (3 mg, 12 mg and 36 mg) caused varying chances of side effects, which included diarrhea (19%, 21% and 26%), nausea (13%, 18% and 16%), dyspepsia (10%, 20% and 15%), constipation (8%, 17% and 14%) and vomiting (5%, 7% and 14%). Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Diagnosis If your constipation is disruptive or uncomfortable, consider seeing a healthcare provider who can diagnose constipation and its cause. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 8 Apr. 2025 There’s also evidence that the breakdown of prebiotics in your gut can contribute to satiety (or fullness), as well as alleviate constipation by helping push stool along. Erica Sloan, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constipation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Constipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipation. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces

More from Merriam-Webster on constipation

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