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

Symptoms may include bloating, fatigue and infertility — and most commonly pain that can strike during periods, intercourse and bowel movements. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Beans support digestive health by helping prevent constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. — Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, HEALTH, 6 Sep. 2026

Perianal diseases include hemorrhoids alongside anal fissures, anal fistulas and perianal abscesses, all capable of producing pain, bleeding and difficulty during bowel movements. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Eating three dates in the morning can support blood sugar and digestion throughout the day by providing fiber that slows the absorption of sugar and promotes regular bowel movements. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026

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