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 of menstruation

• period

Examples of menstruation in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Depression is associated with irregular menstruation but not with flatulence. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Some programs prepare students to answer Jewish legal questions in particular areas, such as practices during menstruation or childbirth. —Michal Raucher, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025

In her Tipi Dress, the 28 straps on the dress represent the number of poles that are used to construct a traditional Lakota tipi and the cycle of a woman’s menstruation. —Sandra Guzmán, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

The ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes irregular. —Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 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