sanitary napkin

noun

1. a pad of absorbent material, as cotton, worn by women during menstruation to absorb the uterine flow.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanitary napkin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

At least three inmates died after stuffing paper, sanitary napkins or other items down their throats, asphyxiating before anyone intervened.

From Los Angeles Times

The maker of personal care products like toilet paper and sanitary napkins raised prices across all its categories by 10% in the quarter, but saw volumes fall by only 5%.

From Reuters

Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to get rid of the so-called “period tax,” exempting the 6% state sales tax and extra local tax from items like tampons, pads and sanitary napkins.

From Washington Times

The main tools: a bandage for a tiny TV light and a sanitary napkin, which she used to stick a rolled-up magazine page over the light display on an air conditioner.

From Washington Post

The plight of residents there, who have reported shortages of food and female sanitary napkins, also remained largely unknown until a recent storm of social media pleas.

From New York Times