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

Many users have posted about their lack of bowel movements and how drinking magnesium citrate went above and beyond (sometimes too far) to get them back on track. —Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025

Additionally, studies indicate that carbonated mineral water might reduce constipation by encouraging bowel movements and supporting gut health. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025

Disposable diaper liners are more convenient for many parents when your baby is young and their bowel movements are softer and looser. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025

Some people may experience side effects on their bowel movements when eating too much watermelon. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 18 Sep. 2025

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