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
: stultification

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.
The study sorted participants into four categories, with constipation defined as one to two movements per week, low-normal at three to six per week, high-normal at one to three per day and diarrhea beyond that. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Rice said some cats may develop constipation, difficulty urinating or urinary tract infections when their size prevents them from grooming comfortably. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Participants fell into four categories, with constipation defined as 1 to 2 times per week, low-normal as 3 to 6 times per week, high-normal as 1 to 3 times per day and diarrhea at the far end. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Fiber supplements may help with bloating from constipation, but higher doses can increase gas. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constipation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constipation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for constipation

See All Rhymes for constipation

Browse Nearby Words

constipated
constipation
constituency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constipation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constipation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constipation

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