menstruation

American  

[men-stroo-ey-shuhn, -strey-] / ˌmɛn struˈeɪ ʃən, -ˈstreɪ- /

noun

1. the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus, occurring approximately monthly from puberty to menopause in nonpregnant women and females of other primate species.

2. the period of menstruating.

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menstruation British  

/ ˈmɛnstrʊəs, ˌmɛnstrʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: period.  Also called: menses.  the approximately monthly discharge of blood and cellular debris from the uterus by nonpregnant women from puberty to the menopause

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menstruation Scientific  

/ mĕn′stro̅o̅-ā′shən /

1. The monthly flow of blood from the uterus beginning at puberty in girls and other female primates.

2. Also called menses

3. See also menstrual cycle

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menstruation Cultural  

1. The periodic discharge of the blood-enriched lining of the uterus through the vagina. Menstruation marks the end of one menstrual cycle and the beginning of another.

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Other Word Forms

• menstruous adjective

Etymology

Origin of menstruation

First recorded in 1770–80; menstruate + -ion

Example Sentences

From menstruation mishaps to a meditation on old age, and the challenges faced by Arab-Israelis in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks, one Oscars category is nothing if not varied.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The film addresses stigma surrounding menstruation and includes biologically accurate descriptions; educational groups have screened it.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

Early onset of menstruation, late menopause, or not having children also increase risk.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

For him, periods are a matter of health, not embarrassment and while the idea of dads discussing menstruation still divides opinion, John says it's important to "be there and approachable for your children".

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

The only encouraging event was the reappearance of Masvita’s menstruation.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer