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

Several months later — the mouse equivalent of young adulthood — the rodents were more likely to show anxiety-like behaviors, along with gut pain and motility (movement) issues like constipation or diarrhea. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Suddenly consuming too much fiber can cause digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Poop flying through your system results in diarrhea, whereas a slowdown shows up as constipation. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Mar. 2026

However, the weight loss drugs are not without side effects, some of which include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn or bloating, fatigue, dehydration and muscle loss. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

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