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

It can be caused by eating something that contains spores from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, and symptoms can include choking when trying to feed, constipation, lack of facial expressions or weakness. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

This promotes a healthy gut microbiome, thereby helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer, constipation, and other GI issues. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026

Affected babies may show symptoms including constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelid, sluggish pupils, low muscle tone, difficulty sucking and swallowing, weak or altered crying, difficulty breathing, and generalized weakness. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 June 2026

Symptoms of infant botulism can take several weeks to start, according to the CDC, but may include constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing and decreased facial expression. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 14 June 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