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

Several blood metabolites and plasma chemistries were also connected to how often people had bowel movements, pointing to possible links between bowel health and chronic diseases. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 July 2025

For people with constipation, increasing water intake can be beneficial in promoting regular bowel movements. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 18 July 2025

Research shows that following a high-fiber diet can boost several aspects of health: Supports gut health: Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and encourages the growth of bacteria that produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gastrointestinal tract. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025

Insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and keeping things moving smoothly. —Dr. Kelly Fradin, CNBC, 20 May 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