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

Examples of tampon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Investigators determined that the fire appeared to have been started under a chair with the help of a tampon. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious bacterial infection. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

Verb

Red flags in this realm include bleeding after menopause, between periods, or a lot—for instance, soaking through your pad or tampon every one to two hours, or bleeding for longer than seven days. — Julia Sullivan, SELF, 4 Feb. 2026

For the average person, the most visible health care detritus are disposable apparatuses used at home, from respiratory inhalers to syringes to tampon applicators to oxygen masks and tubing. — Ted Alcorn, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024

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

Phrases Containing tampon

• tampon tax

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