An applicator for a tampon comprises an outer cylinder (2) containing an absorber (4) therein and provided with a petal-like components (8) for pushing out the absorber (4) on one side thereof and with a grip cylinder (7) on the other side thereof, and an inner tube (3) which is inserted into the grip cylinder (7) and can push out the absorber (4) to the outside from the petal-like components (8) by moving into the outer cylinder (2). A plurality of rows of annular protrusions (11, 12, 13, 14) are formed in the whole area of the grip cylinder (7) in the circumferential direction, such that the height from the outer circumferential surface of the grip cylinder (7) decreases gradually toward the side of the inner tube (3) being inserted into the grip cylinder (7).