menopause

American  

[men-uh-pawz] / ˈmɛn əˌpɔz /

noun

Physiology.

1. the period of permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.

2. male menopause.

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menopause British  

/ ˈmɛnəʊˌpɔːz /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: change of life.  the period during which a woman's menstrual cycle ceases, normally occurring at an age of 45 to 50

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menopause Scientific  

/ mĕn′ə-pôz′ /

1. The time at which menstruation ceases, occurring usually between 45 and 55 years of age in humans.

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menopause Cultural  

1. The period in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five.

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Other Word Forms

• menopausal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of menopause

From the French word ménopause, dating back to 1870–75. See meno-, pause

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

menopause

She credits the wider public conversation to actors like Naomi Watts and her menopause advocacy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

The gatherings can revolve around topics such as spirituality, career transitions or even menopause.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

She is currently going through her third medically induced menopause, which "shuts down" her ovaries and helps manage her pain.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Many people may not even be aware that they have the condition until they have experienced a fracture or had a bone density test, typically recommended because of risk factors such as age and menopause.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 25, 2026

Esteban said that it was menopause and that there was nothing anyone could do.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende