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

And nearly half of people have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, or inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD). —Jenna Anderson, Health, 29 July 2025

Protects Gut and Digestive Health A low-FODMAP diet is recommended for a variety of health conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025

The poop abnormalities were also more common among people already diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic GI disorder. —Sarah Garone, Health, 30 July 2025

Thousands of people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome swear off a range of food categories to improve their symptoms. —New Atlas, 23 July 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