menstrual

American

[men-stroo-uhl, -struhl] / ˈmɛn stru əl, -strəl /

adjective

of or relating to menstruation or to the menses.
Archaic. monthly.

ˈmenstrual British

/ ˈmɛnstrʊəl /

adjective

of or relating to menstruation or the menses

"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

intermenstrual adjective
postmenstrual adjective
premenstrual adjective
premenstrually adverb

Etymology

Origin of menstrual

1350–1400; Middle English menstruall < Latin mēnstruālis having monthly courses, equivalent to mēnstru ( a ) monthly courses (noun use of neuter plural of mēnstruus monthly; mēnstr- ( semester ) + -uus adj. suffix, probably on the model of annuus annual ) + -ālis -al 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.

It frequently leads to heavy, painful menstrual periods that can disrupt everyday life.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Seckin said women’s concerns about menstrual pain are often dismissed by doctors, leading to missed diagnoses.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

But campaigners point out that many countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia already offer menstrual leave and that studies have shown this time off can be beneficial to women.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Pediatricians should recognize that early menstrual periods may signal higher cardiovascular risk later in life, and menstrual history should be included in routine evaluations.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

She also made note of her menstrual cycle.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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