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

This diet helps reduce pain, bloating, and discomfort, improves bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation, and boosts overall quality of life.2 A Quick Review For individuals with IBS, following a low-FODMAP diet can help identify trigger foods. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Back in October, Presley — who died at 54 years old in January 2023 cardiac arrest caused by a small bowel obstruction — posthumously published her memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which was finished with the help of her daughter Riley Keogh. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Some people may also notice bleeding, unusual lumps, or a change in their bowel habits. —Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Even if zero toots escape, moving your body can, again, encourage those gut contractions that pass food through your bowels and toward your colon. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 26 Nov. 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