menstrual cup

noun

plural menstrual cups

: a small flexible usually silicone bell-shaped cup that is inserted into the vaginal canal to collect the uterine flow during menstruation, is held in place by suction, and is typically reusable

A menstrual cup can be worn up to 12 hours. Typically, tampons or pads should be changed every four to six hours.

—Alison Grajkowski

While menstrual cups aren't for everyone, they're reusable and can cut future costs for other products, as well as being discreet and more sustainable.

—Wink Winkle, quoted in OU Daily

compare menstrual disc, menstrual pad

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above