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

Insoluble fiber, meanwhile, doesn’t dissolve in water and can help boost transit in the bowel, thus addressing constipation. —Michele Ross, SELF, 8 Apr. 2026

These issues can include bloating or pain after eating, constipation, pain during bowel movements, diarrhea and more. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

Similar to other GLP-1s, the most common side effects of Foundayo are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, swollen belly, fatigue, belching, heartburn, gas and hair loss. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 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