tampon

American  

[tam-pon] / ˈtæm pɒn /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fill or plug with a tampon.

tampon British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• tamponage noun

Etymology

Origin of tampon

From French, dating back to 1855–60; tampion

Example Sentences

Often, he had to wade into sewage to fix equipment and clean out feces, needles and tampons entering the treatment facility.

From Salon

"It felt like when a tampon isn't sitting properly, you can feel something's not right."

From BBC

For many of us, our first lessons about periods were brief and practical, often limited to learning how to use pads or tampons.

From BBC

One woman I interviewed who struggled with infertility threw herself a menopause party complete with tampons wrapped in ribbons and women telling their first period and menopause stories.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth went on to suggest that the "leftist 'news' media" would rather see him install "tampon machines in every men’s bathroom at DoD."

From Salon

Related Words

• blockade