ovulatory

adjective

ovu·​la·​to·​ry ˈä vyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce ovulatory (audio) ˈō- How to pronounce ovulatory (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving ovulation
the ovulatory cycle

Examples of ovulatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ovulatory phase around day 14 is when estrogen and testosterone peak together, producing the highest-energy and lowest-appetite stretch of the month. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 The winning candidate, PMOS, was chosen in a landslide earlier this year over two other candidates: endocrine metabolic ovulatory syndrome and ovulatory metabolic endocrine syndrome. Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 12 May 2026 For example, an eight-year study following 17,544 women found that eating a fertility-friendly diet, being a healthy weight, and keeping physically active was linked to a 69% lower risk of ovulatory infertility. Rachel Hosie, SELF, 16 Feb. 2026 Metformin, a medication traditionally used for type 2 diabetes, is often used to improve insulin resistance and support ovulatory function in women with PCOS. Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025 In this phenotype, the person has polycystic ovaries and ovulatory dysfunction but does not have hyperandrogenism. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025 There are many reasons why a person may have heavier bleeding, but having fibroids, polyps, or ovulatory disorders may be linked with an underlying hormone problem. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024 Your menstrual cycle has four phases, including: Menstruation Follicular Ovulation Luteal While each phase is important for reproduction, pregnancy relies heavily on the ovulatory phase. Christin Perry, Parents, 30 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovulatory was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Ovulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovulatory. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

ovulatory

adjective
ovu·​la·​to·​ry ˈäv-yə-lə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce ovulatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
also
ˈōv- How to pronounce ovulatory (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving ovulation
ovulatory dysfunction
Dysmenorrhea refers to the cramps and other physical discomforts that accompany ovulatory cycles in many women.Scientific American Medicine
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