abdominal

adjective

ab·​dom·​i·​nal ab-ˈdä-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce abdominal (audio)
əb-
-ˈdäm-nᵊl
: of, relating to, or involving the abdomen
abdominal pain/cramps/bloating
an abdominal scar
abdominal sternites
see also abdominal cavity
abdominally adverb
abdominally obese
surgical instruments inserted abdominally

Examples of abdominal 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.
The goddess Gayatri, a divine manifestation of the Gayatri mantra, is described in the Mahanarayana Upanishad as having five heads, along with three feet, six abdominal sections, and 24 syllables. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Warning signs include chest or abdominal pain, blood in stool, fever, chills or a swollen abdomen — all reasons to seek immediate medical attention. Kimberly Tutuska, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 An expanding waistline could indicate increasing abdominal fat even if weight and BMI have changed very little. Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 That can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in your bowel habits. Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abdominal

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abdominal was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abdominal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abdominal. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Medical Definition

abdominal

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of, belonging to, or affecting the abdomen
abdominal organs
abdominal pain
abdominal surgery
2
: performed by entry through the abdominal wall
an abdominal hysterectomy

abdominal

2 of 2 noun
: an abdominal muscle (as an oblique or a rectus abdominis) especially of the anterolateral region
usually used in plural
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