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

Young women say they were taught how to open a bank account in school, but not how to change a tampon or spot signs of cancer.

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

A zero rate of VAT on tampons and other sanitary products was introduced by the UK government in 2021.

From BBC

Incarcerated women don’t need permission to obtain menstrual products: Women in prisons and jails now have full access to period-care products like pads and tampons under AB 1810.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blockade