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 short-term side effects have been well advertised (and experienced), as 28 percent of respondents diagnosed with obesity currently on a GLP-1 had dealt with nausea or vomiting and 42 percent reported diarrhea and constipation. — Natalia Johnsen, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Opioids can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, sleepiness and difficulty thinking clearly. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 Research has found that prunes can improve stool frequency and consistency in adults with constipation. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026 Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat conditions including headaches, colic, dropsy, rheumatism, nervous agitation, constipation, dyspepsia, and infections of the eye and throat. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

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