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

Anyone with ovaries who lives long enough will experience menopause. — Audrey Hendricks, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

Towards the end of the masterclass, Watts took a moment to talk about her menopause activism, revealing how her four-year-old menopause and wellness company, Stripes Beauty, came to be. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026

Hormonal conditions Many women may notice hair loss with changes in hormones such as during pregnancy, menopause or even after starting or stopping birth control pills. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Too often, menopause — including hot flashes — has been framed as something women are expected to endure and struggle with, as though aging itself is something to apologize for. — Partner Content, Variety, 23 Sep. 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