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.
In melanoma patients, Keytruda treatment can result in fatigue, diarrhea, rash and inflammation of joints and muscles, as well as of healthy organs in some cases. — CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 However, around one in five people who are infected develop a fever and moderate symptoms such as body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Those symptoms can include explosive, watery diarrhea, as well as fatigue and nausea. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026 Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in most people infected. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 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 25 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diarrhea

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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