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.
Related Stories The film follows a woman facing menopause who turns to a folk healer who draws her into a series of increasingly ridiculous rituals, driving her to the edge of madness in search of her own liberation. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 At-home hormone tests promise insights into a range of health concerns, from menopause to stress. — Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026 Plus, dehydration can also worsen other menopause symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue and achy joints. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Aug. 2026 The Endocrine Society reports that significant skeletal loss can happen during menopause and roughly one in 10 women over 60 worldwide are affected by osteoporosis. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 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 26 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about menopause

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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