rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal walls
rectal cancer
rectally adverb

Examples of rectal 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.
Red may point to beets or, less benignly, hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Kaczynski hanged himself after being diagnosed with late-stage rectal cancer — probably the most fitting final days of all time. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Anyone with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits should talk to a doctor regardless of age. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 Warning signs doctors say warrant a conversation with a physician include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

Rhymes for rectal

See All Rhymes for rectal

Browse Nearby Words

rectagonal
rectal
rectangle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective
rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal bleeding
rectally
-ē How to pronounce rectal (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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