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

Stimulant laxatives are a type of laxative that increases movement in the intestines and decreases how much water your body absorbs from your bowel. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

Taking a short walk within an hour after eating can help get your bowels moving and release farts. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025

Officially aboard their new home, the Sinister, our eight finalists explore the, erm, bowels of their crib, including a sleeping dungeon that reminds me a little too much of the basement from Barbarian. —Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2025

But when they're swallowed, those beads quickly expand to many times their original size, causing bowel blockages. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 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