ulcerative colitis

noun

: a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon of unknown cause characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration

Examples of ulcerative colitis in a Sentence

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.
Some studies have described BPC-157 being used to treat knee pain, a chronic bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis and ulcerative colitis, a common type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Some people, such as those with digestive disorders like celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, may be at risk. — Maggie O'Neill, Health, 25 July 2026 On Thursday, the panel voted 8-6 to add BPC-157 to the list for treating ulcerative colitis, to add KPV for wound healing and inflammatory conditions, and to add TB-500 for wound healing. — Lizzy Lawrence, STAT, 24 July 2026 Peptide supporters have asked the FDA to consider the seven peptides under review this week for various medical conditions, including ulcerative colitis, migraines and opioid addiction. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ulcerative colitis

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ulcerative colitis was circa 1928

Rhymes for ulcerative colitis

See All Rhymes for ulcerative colitis

Browse Nearby Words

ulceration
ulcerative colitis
ulcerative lymphangitis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ulcerative colitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulcerative%20colitis. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

ulcerative colitis

noun
: a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that is of unknown cause and is characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration

More from Merriam-Webster on ulcerative colitis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ulcerative colitis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All