tampon

[ tam-pon ]

noun

1. a plug of cotton or the like for insertion into an orifice, wound, etc., chiefly for absorbing blood or stopping hemorrhages.
2. such a plug used for absorbing menstrual flow, especially one that is manufactured commercially.
3. a two-headed drumstick for playing rolls.

verb (used with object)

1. to fill or plug with a tampon.

tampon

/ ˈtæmpɒn /

noun

1. a plug of lint, cotton wool, cotton, etc, inserted into an open wound or body cavity to stop the flow of blood, absorb secretions, etc, esp one inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood

verb

1. tr to plug (a wound, etc) with a tampon

Derived Forms

• ˈtamponage, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tampon¹

From French, dating back to 1855–60; tampion

Word History and Origins

Origin of tampon¹

C19: via French from Old French tapon a little plug, from tape a plug, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Ultimately, to be able to solve what is a real problem for so many people—from leaking tampons and uncomfortable traditional cups, to worries about TSS and single use plastics—is so rewarding.

From Fortune

In interviews with Outside, one anecdote—referred to as “the tampon incident”—came up repeatedly.

From Outside Online

Back in 2016, she helped push through similar legislation in New York City that provides free tampons and pads in schools and prisons.

From Popular-Science

It is progress in that it identifies tampons and pads as medical necessities.

From Fortune

In addition, about $48,000 will be used to supply campus bathrooms with tampons and pads.

From Washington Post

Feeling that we should shortly get the order to advance, I resolved to secure some souvenir of Tampon, as we called him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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