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

The second part reveals the pair is going to Israel for their Birthright trip, which is cut short when their mile-high search for a tampon leads to a diplomatic scare. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024

How relatable is a guy who put tampons in boys bathrooms and travels to China 30 times and heaps praise on an extremist congresswoman? —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 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