bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

1

biology : intestine, gut

also : one of the divisions of the intestines

—usually used in plural except in medical use

the large bowel

move your bowels

2

archaic : the seat of pity, tenderness, or courage

—usually used in plural

3

bowels plural : the interior parts

especially : the deep or remote parts

bowels of the earth

bowelless

ˈbau̇(-ə)l-ləs 

adjective

Examples of bowel in a Sentence

a disease of the bowel

They dug deep into the bowels of the earth.

The engine room is down in the bowels of the ship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in or on your stool, unexplained weight loss, changing bowel habits and persistent abdominal discomfort. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, itching, and changes in bowel habits. —Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Fecal incontinence is treatable with dietary changes, medications, bowel retraining, or surgery. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Nov. 2024

Antibiotics: While effective for treating bacterial infections, antibiotics can change the balance of intestinal bacteria or lead to the excessive growth of certain types of bacteria that can cause bowel inflammation. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French buel, boel, from Medieval Latin botellus, from Latin, diminutive of botulus sausage

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bowel

• bowel movement
• inflammatory bowel disease
• irritable bowel syndrome

Kids Definition

bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

1

a

: intestine entry 2, gut

—usually used in plural

b

: a division of the intestine

2

plural : the interior parts

the bowels of the earth

3

archaic : supply of mercy or courage

—usually used in plural

Medical Definition

bowel

noun

bow·​el ˈbau̇(-ə)l 

: intestine, gut

also : one of the divisions of the intestines

—usually used in plural except in medical use

move your bowels

surgery of the involved bowel