irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

Examples of irritable bowel syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not Considering Fiber’s Effects on Preexisting Conditions If not done right, fibermaxxing may bring particular discomfort for people with digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroparesis. —Jamie Ducharme, Health, 24 Sep. 2025

She was diagnosed with 20 to 30 food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and an MTHFR gene mutation. —Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

These beneficial bacteria can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, improve digestion, reduce bloating and constipation, and even alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). —New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025

These include celiac disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, metabolic disorders like diabetes, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or even certain cancers. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for irritable bowel syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is of unknown etiology but is often associated with abnormal intestinal motility and increased sensitivity to visceral pain and that is characterized by diarrhea or constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

called also irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, spastic colon