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 living with irritable bowel syndrome experience abdominal pain, bloating and abnormal bowel habits. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 When the balance is out of whack, problems surface, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 18 Jan. 2024 Misuse of laxatives has multiple health implications, including severe dehydration, colon and kidney damage, colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, liver damage and a lack of ample electrolytes and minerals, according to NEDA. USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024 Research has found regular exercise can cause digestive symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).13 Health Conditions Some health conditions that affect the muscles and nerves may cause chronic constipation. Steph Coelho, Health, 10 Feb. 2024 If an underlying medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is causing bloating, a health care professional may prescribe medications to manage symptoms. Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2024 The bulk of her clients suffer from IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, a group of painful intestinal symptoms. Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 When To Contact a Healthcare Provider The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to those of other conditions like infection, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome. Taylyn Washington-Harmon, Health, 16 Dec. 2023 Fibromyalgia often coexists with other conditions such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and mood disorders. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irritable bowel syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritable bowel syndrome was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near irritable bowel syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Irritable bowel syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritable%20bowel%20syndrome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on irritable bowel syndrome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!