diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
1
: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools (see stool entry 1 sense 3a)
symptoms include fever, nausea, and diarrhea
2
: excessive flow
verbal diarrhea
diarrheal adjective
diarrheic adjective
diarrhetic adjective

Examples of diarrhea in a Sentence

The symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea. I was taken with severe diarrhea while attending the conference.
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.
Higher doses of triphala may raise your risk for side effects like diarrhea and stomach pain. Health, 3 July 2025 More than 10,000 mothers and children received essential health and nutrition services, and over 48,000 children were treated against malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 There are many types of E. coli, but a few strains of the bacteria, such as E. coli 0157:H7, can cause people to have severe stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 According to officials, the first case was reported on Thursday, June 12, near the city of Saint-Quentin — a severe case of food poisoning that included bloody diarrhea. Moná Thomas, People.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for diarrhea

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diaria, from Late Latin diarrhoea, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from dia- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diarrhea was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diarrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diarrhea. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

Medical Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea
variants or chiefly British diarrhoea
: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools

More from Merriam-Webster on diarrhea

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