plural rectums or recta
ˈrek-tə 
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus
Examples of rectum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Colorectal cancer starts either in the colon or rectum.
—
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Alcohol also impacts the health of the colon and rectum.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy For these tests, a doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into the rectum to look for polyps or cancer in the rectum and the lower third of the colon.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, known as polyps, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rectum
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
Alcohol also impacts the health of the colon and rectum.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy For these tests, a doctor puts a thin, flexible tube into the rectum to look for polyps or cancer in the rectum and the lower third of the colon.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, known as polyps, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rectum
Cite this Entry
“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
