constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces

2

: stultification

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

One study found that drinking 220 milliliters of kombucha regularly can prevent constipation and relieve bloating. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

Too much Powerade causes constipation. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025

There are countless videos online of parents taking their newborn babies to a chiropractor—a range of issues can bring them there, from an excessively fussy baby, one who has a limited range of motion, or who is suffering from constipation. —Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 29 Nov. 2025

The company added that botulism is rare but serious, and shared symptoms to look for in infants, such as constipation, poor feeding, ptosis (drooping eyelid) and sluggish pupils. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for constipation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən 

: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces