colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnä-skə-pē 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

colonoscope

kō-ˈlä-nə-ˌskōp 

noun

Examples of colonoscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers examined 100 participants between the ages of 35 and 50 who had never undergone a colonoscopy but had completed at least five marathons or two ultramarathons. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Researchers surveyed 125 people undergoing a routine screening colonoscopy (which is recommended starting at age 45) about their smartphone toilet habits, as well as other lifestyle behaviors related to pooping. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025

That is leading employers to focus more on cancer prevention and screenings, including expanding coverage of breast cancer screenings and alternatives to colonoscopies. —Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

Researchers investigated the bathroom habits of 125 adults undergoing screening colonoscopies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. —Dr. Noor Shaik, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colonoscopy

• virtual colonoscopy

Rhymes for colonoscopy

• laparoscopy
• arthroscopy
• colposcopy
• cystoscopy
• fluoroscopy
• spectroscopy

Medical Definition

colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnäs-kə-pē  ˌkäl-ə- 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

transabdominal colonoscopy with a sigmoidoscope via colotomy

colonoscopic

kō-ˌlän-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective