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 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

Anyone with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits should talk to a doctor regardless of age. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Warning signs doctors say warrant a conversation with a physician include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss should prompt a conversation with a doctor at any age. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026

This would explain why many midlife women suddenly experience uncomfortable bloating, unpredictable bowel habits, reflux, or new food sensitivities. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for bowel

• dowel
• howel
• howell
• towel
• vowel
• avowal
• disavowal

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