verb
menstruate
MEN-stroo-ayt
Menstruate (verb) means to undergo menstruation, or have a period. Example: “She began to menstruate at the age of thirteen.”
verb
1
To undergo menstruation, or have a period.
"She began to menstruate at the age of thirteen."
"Many women track the days when they menstruate."
"Stress can sometimes affect how regularly a person menstruates."
How to use menstruate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo menstruate is to have a period.
When to use it
Menstruate is a neutral, clinical term suited to medical or formal contexts.
Memory tip
Note the spelling has no e before the -ate ending, unlike some similar-sounding words.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
begin to menstruate
stop menstruating
menstruate regularly
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She began to _____ at the age of thirteen.
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.
Synonyms
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have a period
be on one's period
Rhymes for menstruate
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of menstruate?
"menstruate" (verb) means to undergo menstruation, or have a period.
