menstruation

noun

men·​stru·​a·​tion ˌmen(t)-strü-ˈwā-shən 

men-ˈstrā-

: a cyclical discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus that recurs in nonpregnant breeding-age primate females at approximately monthly intervals and that is considered to represent a readjustment of the uterus to the nonpregnant state following proliferative changes accompanying the preceding ovulation

also : period sense 6c

Synonyms

• monthlies
• period

Examples of menstruation in a Sentence

a first menstruation can be somewhat scary for girls who are unprepared

Recent Examples on the Web

The book has long been lauded for its direct discussion of menstruation and other facts of life not often found in children's literature, and the film is a frank yet loving ode to Blume's vision. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025

Join 5 others in the comments View Comments There are guidelines for the dietary patterns associated with reduction in the risk of early menstruation. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 6 May 2025

Girls with autism are also more likely to have behavioral problems, such as aggressive behavior, related to their menstruation. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Nguyen discussed her plans to conduct two science experiments during the trip — one on plant pathology in partnership with the Vietnamese National Space Center and the second on women's health, focused specifically on menstruation. —Jennifer Earl, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for menstruation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

menstruation

noun

men·​stru·​a·​tion ˌmen(t)-strə-ˈwā-shən 

men-ˈstrā-shən

: a discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus at periods of approximately one month in female primates of breeding age that are not pregnant

also : period sense 3c

Medical Definition

menstruation

noun

men·​stru·​a·​tion ˌmen(t)-strə-ˈwā-shən, men-ˈstrā- 

: a discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus that recurs in nonpregnant human and other primate females of breeding age at approximately monthly intervals and that is considered to represent a readjustment of the uterus to the nonpregnant state following proliferative changes accompanying the preceding ovulation

also : period sense 1b