menopause

noun

men·​o·​pause ˈme-nə-ˌpȯz How to pronounce menopause (audio)
ˈmē-
1
: the natural cessation of menstruation that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55
also : the period during which such cessation occurs

called also climacteric

compare perimenopause
2
: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes
menopausal
ˌme-nə-ˈpȯ-zəl How to pronounce menopause (audio)
ˌmē-
adjective

Examples of menopause in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This isn’t the first time Halle Berry has worked on a project aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms. — Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026 Depending on each patient’s needs, that team might include a menopause specialist, gynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist alongside an oncologist. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 3 Aug. 2026 In fact, 75% of women in menopause experience hot flashes, which include sweating spells, according to UCLA Health. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026 Planned Parenthood provides critical care, like cancer screenings, routine checkups, menopause treatment, and more, which are all at risk due to the DC Republicans' cuts. — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for menopause

Word History

Etymology

French ménopause, from méno- men- + pause stop, pause

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of menopause was in 1822

Phrases Containing menopause

Rhymes for menopause

See All Rhymes for menopause

Browse Nearby Words

menopausal
menopause
menorah
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Menopause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/menopause. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

menopause

noun
meno·​pause
ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz
: the period of life when menstruation permanently stops naturally that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55
menopausal
ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl
adjective

Medical Definition

menopause

noun
meno·​pause ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz How to pronounce menopause (audio) ˈmēn- How to pronounce menopause (audio)
1
a(1)
: the natural cessation of menstruation occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55
… osteoporosis, which increases the risk of hip and spine fractures, is a well-known consequence of menopause.—Daniel D. Federman, The New England Journal of Medicine
(2)
: the physiological period in the life of a woman in which such cessation and the accompanying regression of ovarian function occurs
Hot flashes plague many women undergoing menopause …—K. A. Fackelmann, Science News

called also climacteric, climax

compare perimenopause
b
: cessation of menstruation from other than natural causes (as from surgical removal of the ovaries)
Premature menopause due to surgery or ovarian failure …—Mary Duenwald, O: The Oprah Magazine
2
: andropause
menopausal
ˌmen-ə-ˈpȯ-zəl How to pronounce menopause (audio) ˌmēn- How to pronounce menopause (audio)
adjective
menopausal symptoms
menopausal women

More from Merriam-Webster on menopause

Nglish: Translation of menopause for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about menopause

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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