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

Digestive woes like constipation and diarrhea might be fairly obvious indicators that something is off, but there are plenty of others that are less self-evident—including the seven below. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026

This slower, gentler dosing strategy can be a good fit for people with a history of GI issues like IBS or chronic constipation or who tend to be sensitive to medications in general. —Zoe Weiner, Flow Space, 23 Jan. 2026

Protein plays many vital roles in keeping your body healthy, but eating too much at once can cause uncomfortable side effects such as constipation and stomach cramps. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Although gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain, can still occur while microdosing, the side effects are generally more mild as your body adjusts. —Essence, 21 Jan. 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