bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

1

biology : intestine, gut

also : one of the divisions of the intestines

—usually used in plural except in medical use

the large bowel

move your bowels

2

archaic : the seat of pity, tenderness, or courage

—usually used in plural

3

bowels plural : the interior parts

especially : the deep or remote parts

bowels of the earth

bowelless

ˈbau̇(-ə)l-ləs 

adjective

Examples of bowel in a Sentence

a disease of the bowel

They dug deep into the bowels of the earth.

The engine room is down in the bowels of the ship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other methods of flare prevention include bowel rest, surgery, and medications, but see a healthcare provider to determine which options will work best for you. —Toby Amidor, Rd, Health, 23 Mar. 2024

Think options rich in simple carbs, like toast or crackers, which can soothe your bubbly bowels. —Christine Byrne, Mph, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024

Her husband survived bowel cancer several years ago. —Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 12 Feb. 2024

Alcohol consumption has been linked to early onset bowel cancer, which tends to be more aggressive and lethal, when compared to the kind that’s diagnosed in older individuals. —Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 30 Jan. 2024

There are two primary physical reasons for bowel incontinence in cats. —Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024

Iron supplements can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, bowel obstruction. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024

Increasing your consumption by keeping a water bottle handy throughout the day could make a difference to your bowel habits. —Sarah Garone, Health, 31 Jan. 2024

However, researchers found ADT was associated with slightly worse bowel and hormone functions a decade later for patients with an unfavorable prognosis. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French buel, boel, from Medieval Latin botellus, from Latin, diminutive of botulus sausage

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bowel

• bowel movement
• inflammatory bowel disease
• irritable bowel syndrome

Kids Definition

bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

1

a

: intestine entry 2, gut

—usually used in plural

b

: a division of the intestine

2

plural : the interior parts

the bowels of the earth

3

archaic : supply of mercy or courage

—usually used in plural

Medical Definition

bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

: intestine, gut

also : one of the divisions of the intestines

—usually used in plural except in medical use

move your bowels

surgery of the involved bowel