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

Pairing fiber with certain supplements may provide additional benefits, particularly for the gut microbiome, digestion, inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

For the same reason, people with sensitive digestive systems or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome may want to be especially mindful of portion sizes. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026

People with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, rectal bleeding, heart disease, or high blood pressure should also avoid the procedure, Hazan says. — Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026

Stress is also a common trigger for flare-ups of other conditions like autoimmune diseases, eczema, and irritable bowel syndrome. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026

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