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

Here are some best practices to keep in mind instead: Stay on top of your tampon use, especially during the end of your period. —Korin Miller, SELF, 23 July 2024

The same way that our culture has taught us to whisper about our periods and hide our tampons—despite the fact that our menstrual cycles perpetuate our species—new mothers are culturally guided to hide the more brutal details of childbirth. —Krista Vernoff, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

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

But, while rare, TSS is still happening to tampon users. —Shanetta McDonald, Allure, 4 Dec. 2023

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

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