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

The condition involves inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract, usually in the colon, that can cause pain, fever, nausea or constipation. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

The most common were nausea, vomiting and constipation, which aligned with what clinical trials found, according to Sehgal. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

The condition involves inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract, usually in the colon, that causes pain, fever, nausea or constipation. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

It is intended to help with muscle loss and side effects like diarrhea and constipation while supporting overall diet quality. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 13 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