rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal walls
rectal cancer
rectally adverb

Examples of rectal in a Sentence

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.
Acknowledging the Jackasses’ age, if not maturity, are a couple skits about prostate and rectal checkups. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 An unpopular second step in the screening, the digital rectal exam, has been dropped. Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 18 June 2026 But her death certificate listed a pulmonary embolism as the main cause, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 14 June 2026 Other symptoms include fatigue as a result of anemia, stomach pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, weakness and unexplained weight loss. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective
rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal bleeding
rectally adverb

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