bowel movement

noun

plural bowel movements
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
He had a two-day history of right lower abdominal pain … without bowel movements.William W. Scott, Jr. et al.
also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool sense 3a
Cats get infected from contact with other cats' bowel movements or by predation. Donald Caslow

Examples of bowel movement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fiber adds bulk to stool, supports regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025 For instance, butyric acid can help support the intestinal lining, while other short-chain fatty acids can help regulate electrolyte levels and support the regularity of your bowel movements. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025 Many users have posted about their lack of bowel movements and how drinking magnesium citrate went above and beyond (sometimes too far) to get them back on track. Alex Vance, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025 Some people may experience side effects on their bowel movements when eating too much watermelon. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bowel movement

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowel movement was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bowel movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowel%20movement. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bowel movement

noun
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
also : fecal matter expelled at one passage : stool

Medical Definition

bowel movement

noun
: an act of passing usually solid waste through the rectum and anus
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!