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

These symptoms alongside constipation may warrant a colonoscopy, Toriz says. — Sarah Klein, Time, 10 July 2026

Angie, a home-health aid, wanted a wellness center where ladies could easily get a mammogram or colonoscopy. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 8 July 2026

Both gave him a chance to preach about prioritizing prostate health and colonoscopies, a potentially lifesaving message for fans who have grown up with the franchise. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 June 2026

In 2023, only 53% of Hispanic people and 57% of Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native people were up to date on colonoscopies, compared with 67% of white people. — Lily Alvino, NBC news, 24 June 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