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

In a study, people with IBS (a condition of abdominal pain with constipation and/or diarrhea) ate 75 grams (g) of sauerkraut daily.10 Participants in one group ate sauerkraut with active bacteria, while the other participants ate pasteurized sauerkraut without active bacteria. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025

Among Israeli irritable bowel syndrome sufferers, Jews have more diarrhea, whereas Arabs have more constipation. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

Soothing Relief Constipation Support is formulated to offer gentle relief from occasional constipation. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

Magnesium can also help with constipation relief, migraine prevention and PMS symptoms, according to Eleana Quattrocchi, a pharmacist and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. —Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th 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