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 hormones that affect menstruation include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations in women—especially during menstruation and menopause—can influence muscle tension, making women more susceptible to conditions like PS. Another factor could be lifestyle. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025

Ending period poverty starts by removing the stigma and shame attached to menstruation. —Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 7 Oct. 2024

In the context of cycle syncing, many people break the menstrual cycle down into four distinct parts: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. —Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 28 Jan. 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