constipation

noun

con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
1
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
2

Examples of constipation in a Sentence

A side effect of the drug is constipation.
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.
Abdominal pain/cramping Blood in or on the stool Chronic constipation and/or diarrhea Feeling full without eating much Feeling like there is more stool in the rectum after a bowel movement (tenesmus) Not wanting to eat Weakness or fatigue Weight loss What Are the Causes and Risk Factors? Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025 What’s the best way to eat your prunes to relieve constipation? Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025 Gastrointestinal Effects By far, the most common side effects patients will have will be gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 In a study, people with IBS (a condition of abdominal pain with constipation and/or diarrhea) ate 75 grams (g) of sauerkraut daily.10 Participants in one group ate sauerkraut with active bacteria, while the other participants ate pasteurized sauerkraut without active bacteria. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for constipation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Constipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

Medical Definition

constipation

noun
con·​sti·​pa·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce constipation (audio)
: abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of dry hardened feces

More from Merriam-Webster on constipation

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