menopause

noun

men·​o·​pause ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz 

ˈmē-

1

: the natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55

also : the period during which such cessation occurs

called also climacteric

compare perimenopause

2

: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes

menopausal

ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl 

ˌmē-

adjective

Examples of menopause in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s Happening Doctors are drawing a sharper line between menopause and the gradual testosterone decline sometimes labeled andropause or late-onset hypogonadism. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Testosterone decline sneaks up on men in their 40s and beyond, quietly chipping away at energy, muscle, mood and libido without the sharp signal that menopause gives women. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

In midlife, memory slips can be easy to blame on stress, poor sleep or menopause. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 27 July 2026

For decades, the average age of menopause in the United States has hovered around 51, with most women expecting perimenopausal symptoms in their mid-to-late 40s. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French ménopause, from méno- men- + pause stop, pause

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing menopause

• male menopause
• pre-menopause

Rhymes for menopause

• byelaws
• candlemas
• chickasaws
• chippewas
• repertoires
• tropopause
• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz

Kids Definition

menopause

noun

meno·​pause

ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz

: the period of life when menstruation permanently stops naturally that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55

menopausal

ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl

adjective

Medical Definition

menopause

noun

meno·​pause ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz  ˈmēn- 

1

a(1)

: the natural cessation of menstruation occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55

… osteoporosis, which increases the risk of hip and spine fractures, is a well-known consequence of menopause.

—Daniel D. Federman, The New England Journal of Medicine

(2)

: the physiological period in the life of a woman in which such cessation and the accompanying regression of ovarian function occurs

Hot flashes plague many women undergoing menopause …

—K. A. Fackelmann, Science News

called also climacteric, climax

compare perimenopause

b

: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes (as from surgical removal of the ovaries)

Premature menopause due to surgery or ovarian failure …

—Mary Duenwald, O: The Oprah Magazine

2

: andropause

menopausal

ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl  ˌmēn- 

adjective

menopausal symptoms

menopausal women