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

Berry, 59, opened up about her decision in a recent interview with The Cut, where the actress also discussed her film Crime 101, menopause, and her criticisms of California Governor Gavin Newsom. —Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

Most women experience menopause between ages 40 and 58, with the average age being 51. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026

Other findings underscore the realities of menopause for Black women — and point to places where education can better illuminate the life-time risk of a lack of care. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Mar. 2026

Awareness around perimenopause and menopause has also grown in recent years as more women seek treatment for symptoms that were once rarely discussed openly. —Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 3 Mar. 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

• chickasaws
• chippewas
• diapause
• menelaus
• tropopause
• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws

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