colitis

noun

co·​li·​tis kō-ˈlī-təs How to pronounce colitis (audio)
kə-
: inflammation of the colon

Examples of colitis 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.
Rubin was diagnosed with Crohn’s colitis as a teenager, and later with severe cancer. — Ashlyn Messier, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 Roemer was then placed aboard a ship called the Brazil Maru bound for Japan but reportedly died during the journey of acute colitis. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 Solomon said Ahmad likely suffered from colitis, a condition that can cause frequent diarrhea and can in some cases contribute to death. — ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026 Studies have shown that coffee enemas can cause inflammation of your colon’s lining (a condition called colitis) or your rectum (known as proctitis). — Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for colitis

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colitis was circa 1860

Phrases Containing colitis

Rhymes for colitis

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Browse Nearby Words

colitic
colitis
Colius
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Cite this Entry

“Colitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colitis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

colitis

noun
co·​li·​tis kō-ˈlīt-əs, kə- How to pronounce colitis (audio)
: inflammation of the colon see ulcerative colitis

More from Merriam-Webster on colitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about colitis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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