tampon

1 of 2

noun

tam·pon ˈtam-ˌpän

: a wad of absorbent material (as of cotton) introduced into a body cavity or canal usually to absorb secretions (as from menstruation) or to arrest hemorrhaging

tampon

2 of 2

verb

tamponed; tamponing; tampons

transitive verb

: to place or insert a tampon into

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But rather than absorbing the blood like a tampon, the medical-grade-silicone cup collects it. —

Hafsa Khalil, CNN, 20 Feb. 2023 His lone misstep was trying to hand Justin Thomas a tampon after outdriving him on the ninth hole Friday. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2023 As the two walked up the fairway, Woods walked by him and slid a tampon in his hand, which Thomas hastily threw down before the duo started laughing. —

Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2023 On February 16, Golfweek reported that Woods slipped a tampon into fellow player Justin Thomas' hand after outdriving him on the ninth hole. —

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Feb. 2023 Woods was seen slipping a tampon into Thomas' hand after driving the ball past his on the ninth hole Thursday at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. —

Richard Morin, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2023 On heavier days, period panties can also be paired with a tampon or pad to last longer throughout the day. —

Nicole Crawford, Verywell Health, 15 Feb. 2023 In the video Miller posted as part of her brand deal with Tampax, Miller portrays her mom teaching her how to use a tampon for the first time. —

Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 16 Sep. 2022 The insertion and removal process isn’t quite as simple as sticking a pad on your underwear or pulling on a tampon string. —

Victoria Song, The Verge, 3 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tampon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, literally, plug, from Middle French — more at tamp

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tampon was in 1848

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tampon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tampon. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

tampon

noun

tam·pon

ˈtam-ˌpän

: a wad of absorbent material (as cotton) placed in a body cavity or canal usually to absorb secretions (as from menstruation) or to stop heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

Medical Definition

tampon

1 of 2 noun

tam·pon ˈtam-ˌpän

: a wad of absorbent material (as cotton) introduced into a body cavity or canal usually to absorb secretions (as from menstruation) or to arrest hemorrhaging

tampon

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to place or insert a tampon into