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

Staying hydrated and exercising regularly helps keep digestion moving and reduces the risk of issues like constipation and colon cancer. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 May 2026

Fiber promotes bowel health by keeping your stools soft and moist, which reduces the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. —Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 2026

Ozempic breath is not one of the most common side effects of the drugs, which are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Then again with older relatives — grandparents or my great aunts and uncles — can't stop talking about their bowels and constipation. —Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 30 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