defecate

verb

def·​e·​cate ˈde-fi-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels

transitive verb

1
: to discharge from the anus
2
: to free from impurity or corruption

Examples of defecate 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.
However, what most people don’t realize is that chickens often defecate on their eggs while laying them. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 There have also been several cases of people defecating near the doorway or on the outdoor patio, necessitating power washing and city support. — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 God created, Linnaeus organized, Hoser defecated in the middle of the room. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Last month after feces were found on the ground at a Noah Kahan concert, the singer asked fans not to defecate on themselves at shows. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for defecate

Word History

Etymology

Latin defaecatus, past participle of defaecare, from de- + faec-, faex dregs, lees

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

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

Rhymes for defecate

See All Rhymes for defecate

Browse Nearby Words

defeature
defecate
defecation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defecate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating
: to expel feces from the bowels
defecation
ˌdef-i-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce defecate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

defecate

verb
def·​e·​cate
variants or chiefly British defaecate
ˈdef-i-ˌkāt How to pronounce defecate (audio)
defecated; defecating

transitive verb

: to discharge from the anus

intransitive verb

: to discharge feces from the bowels
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