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menstruate

American

[men-stroo-eyt, -streyt] / ˈmɛn struˌeɪt, -streɪt /

verb (used without object)

menstruated, menstruating

to undergo menstruation.

menstruate British

/ ˈmɛnstrʊˌeɪt /

verb

(intr) to undergo menstruation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

unmenstruating

adjective

Etymology

Origin of menstruate

1640–50; v. use of earlier menstruate menstruous, Middle English < Late Latin mēnstruātus, equivalent to mēnstru ( a ) monthly courses ( see menstrual) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Experts say period blood tests are not an immediate alternative to current cervical screening because only women who menstruate could use them.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

This invasive placenta is, in fact, part of the reason humans menstruate.

From Slate • Sep. 7, 2024

The idea is to provide additional time to rest or seek healthcare for people who menstruate to improve overall reproductive health.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2024

All people who menstruate who live long enough go through menopause.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 25, 2023

Guepin has an example in a case of a girl of eighteen, who commenced to menstruate when three years old.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023