constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
1
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
2

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.
Recent Examples on the Web Bloating, nausea, headaches, and constipation are all common during the approximately two-week process of hormonal stimulation and usually subside within days following the retrieval procedure. Paige Stables, Allure, 16 Nov. 2023 The best foods for bloating include kiwi, which helps to speed up stomach emptying and therefore helps prevent and/or treat bloating and constipation, as well as foods that contain probiotics. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2023 Improve Digestive Health As Schachter shares, oatmeal’s fiber content supports healthy digestion and may prevent constipation. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2023 In studies, the main side effects were gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023 Staying hydrated can also help to stimulate digestion and prevent bloating and constipation, DeChatelets says. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2023 Psyllium husk might also help lower cholesterol, Yancy said, and can be used in people who have both diarrhea and constipation. Julia Landwehr, Health, 28 Sep. 2023 That can set the stage for constipation, which can contribute to that bloated feeling. Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 31 Aug. 2023 What This Means For You Stool softeners and laxatives can both ease constipation but have different uses. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constipation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near constipation

Cite this Entry

“Constipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipation. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces

More from Merriam-Webster on constipation

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