diarrhea

noun

di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
Synonyms of diarrheanext
1
: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools (see stool entry 1 sense 3a)
Symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea.
2
: excessive flow
verbal diarrhea
diarrheal
ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-əl How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
adjective
diarrheic
ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ik How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
adjective
diarrhetic
ˌdī-ə-ˈre-tik How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of diarrhea

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Examples of diarrhea in a Sentence

The symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea. I was taken with severe diarrhea while attending the conference.
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.
Teams may not want to risk their athletes feeling even a little more sluggish, itchy, constipated, diarrhea-ry or whatever. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The bacteria can lead to illness with symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, the release said. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 The Centers for Disease Control says the most common symptoms are frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 1 July 2026 May Lead to Upset Stomach Magnesium supplements can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for diarrhea

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diaria, from Late Latin diarrhoea, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from dia- + rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing diarrhea

Rhymes for diarrhea

See All Rhymes for diarrhea

Browse Nearby Words

diarize
diarrhea
diarrhee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

Medical Definition

diarrhea

noun
di·​ar·​rhea
variants or chiefly British diarrhoea
ˌdī-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce diarrhea (audio)
: abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools

More from Merriam-Webster on diarrhea

Nglish: Translation of diarrhea for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diarrhea

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