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

Well, according to a new study published in the April issue of the scientific journal Menopause, masturbating may help relieve some menopause symptoms—particularly mood changes and sleep issues. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Apr. 2026

In women, low testosterone contributes to similar symptoms plus declining bone density, especially around menopause. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

In women, low testosterone can contribute to similar symptoms plus difficulty maintaining bone density, particularly during and after menopause. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026

Estrogen patches — also known as estradiol patches — delivers the hormone estrogen via the skin, where it's absorbed to help alleviate the more distressing symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, and vaginal dryness and burning. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 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