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

Any additional water helps move food through your digestive tract, breaking down nutrients and regulating bowel movements. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Many people rely on their morning coffee to stimulate a bowel movement. —Michele Ross, SELF, 9 Mar. 2026

Some types of fiber add bulk and help maintain regular bowel movements, while others slow digestion. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026

However, avoid stimulant laxatives, which stimulate bowel movements and may decrease hydration and affect nutritional absorption, warns Dr. Dean. —Erin Meanley, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bowel movement

• improvement

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