flatulence
Americannoun
-
the condition of having an accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal.
To avoid the uncomfortable feeling of flatulence, increase your fiber intake gradually.
-
the expulsion of alimentary gas through the anus.
Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and headache.
-
inflated and empty speech or writing; unsupported pretension; pomposity.
His lectures, noted for their flatulence, were popular fodder for mocking.
Etymology
Origin of flatulence
First recorded in 1700–10; from French ; flatul(ent) ( def. ) + -ence ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Napoleon exclaims during an extended instance of flatulence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed Smart Underwear, the first wearable device designed specifically to measure human flatulence.
From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026
Researchers have developed a tiny, battery-powered hydrogen sensor that continuously monitors a wearer’s flatulence, with the aim of collecting data to improve digestive health.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
The referee called his flatulence "unsportsmanlike" and thought he was "farting on someone else".
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2025
The safe room was in a shambles, blown apart by some sort of fairy flatulence.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
