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

Adults who may have a personal history or family history of colorectal cancer or advanced pre-cancer lesions, or other risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, are recommended to talk with their doctor about getting a colonoscopy. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

Experts say colonoscopy remains, by far, the most effective screening tool. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 May 2026

People who choose colonoscopy should be tested every 10 years. —Dr. Ari Goldstein, ABC News, 27 May 2026

But many who are eligible for screening are wary of getting a colonoscopy or can't take the time off from work, says Tiago Biachi, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist in the gastrointestinal oncology department at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colonoscopy

• virtual colonoscopy

Rhymes for colonoscopy

• laparoscopy
• arthroscopy
• 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