defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

1
: to discharge from the anus
2
: to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shortly before the attack, the victim and her son were in their backyard arguing with two women, including Linda’s attacker, after the women’s dogs defecated in a vacant lot adjacent to the Scott family’s home. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026 The astronauts onboard the spacecraft reportedly were still able to defecate as engineers worked to resolve the issue. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Butterfly, Cenedella says, is often yelling at people on the street, defecating on the sidewalk. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 The virus lives in feces and can spread when a person who is infected doesn’t wash their hands properly after defecating (pooping). Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defecate

Word History

Etymology

Latin defaecatus, past participle of defaecare, from de- + faec-, faex dregs, lees

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecate. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating
: to expel feces from the bowels
defecation noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate
variants or chiefly British defaecate
defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

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