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

People with functional constipation or constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome who eat two kiwis per day may experience less constipation after four weeks. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 24 Sep. 2026

Healthy digestion and a healthy gut play a role in staving off inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2026

And those who are pregnant or have conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome or a tendency toward low blood sugar may require even more individualized guidance. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

They are also used to evaluate inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 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