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.
Taylor Farms, the producer of lettuce linked to a widespread outbreak of the diarrhea-causing infection cyclosporiasis, has now recalled products containing jalapeños linked to an outbreak of salmonella. — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 Culturelle probiotics tend to be cheaper than Align products and are ideal for those with frequent diarrhea. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 In 2024, more than 2,200 people were hospitalized with acute watery diarrhea in Yangon, with 15 deaths reported, according to World Health Organization data. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

diarize
diarrhea
diarrhee
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Cite this Entry

“Diarrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diarrhea. Accessed 21 Aug. 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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