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menstrual

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

adjective

  1. of or relating to menstruation or to the menses.

  2. Archaic. monthly.


menstrual British  
/ ˈmɛnstrʊəl /

adjective

  1. 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.

"We are also opening women's health hubs providing care for menstrual problems and endometriosis and prioritising the condition through NHS online so women can get quicker access to NHS care."

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

Some Indian states also offer limited menstrual leave: Bihar and Odisha give two days per month to government employees, while Kerala provides it to university and industrial training institute staff.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Some states and a number of large private companies have introduced menstrual leaves for employees over the years.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

She also made note of her menstrual cycle.

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