A tampon applicator comprises an outer cylinder containing an absorber and first and second inner cylinders for pushing out the absorber, wherein the first inner cylinder is fitted slidably into the outer cylinder, the second inner cylinder is fitted slidably into the first inner cylinder, and the second inner cylinder is provided on the outer surface thereof with a projection(s) having means for significantly changing the size thereof in the radial direction, which projection(s) is(are) kept in the first inner cylinder before use but serve to transmit a pushing-out pressure to the first inner cylinder at the time of the application.