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

Less pressure and gas buildup from bloating may help support easier bowel movements. —Ashley Wong, Health, 10 Oct. 2025

Waking up feeling backed up and bloated is no fun, but simple nighttime habits can set you up for smoother mornings and regular bowel movements. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025

Flax is known to promote good digestive health and prevent constipation, thanks to plenty of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber (both of which facilitate digestion and regular bowel movements through slightly different means). —Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025

For instance, butyric acid can help support the intestinal lining, while other short-chain fatty acids can help regulate electrolyte levels and support the regularity of your bowel movements. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 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