menstruate
2 synonyms for menstruate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To undergo menstruation, or have a period.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
have a period
be on one's period
How to use menstruate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
begin to menstruate
stop menstruating
menstruate regularly
Menstruate is a neutral, clinical term suited to medical or formal contexts.
Etymology
Menstruate comes from menstruum combined with the verb-forming suffix -ate. The sense meaning to undergo menstruation may instead be a back-formation from the word menstruation.
Full origin of menstruate →Frequently asked questions
What does menstruate mean?
To menstruate means to undergo menstruation, in other words to have a period.
Is menstruate the same as having a period?
Yes, to menstruate and to have a period describe the same thing and are used interchangeably.
What is a person who menstruates called?
The related word menstruator is used for a person who menstruates.
