What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bowel
Example
A healthy diet is important for maintaining good bowel health. [bowel: noun]
Example
She experienced discomfort in her bowels after eating spicy food. [bowels: plural noun]
intestine
Example
The food travels through the intestine to be further digested and absorbed. [intestine: noun]
Example
The doctor examined her intestines using a medical imaging technique. [intestines: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intestine is more commonly used than bowel in medical or scientific contexts. In everyday language, bowel is a more general term that encompasses the entire digestive system, while intestine is a more specific term referring to the organ responsible for nutrient absorption.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bowel and intestine?
While intestine is commonly used in medical or scientific contexts, bowel is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Bowel is less commonly used in casual conversation, but it is still widely understood.
