labia majora

plural noun

la·​bia ma·​jo·​ra ˈlā-bē-ə-mə-ˈjȯr-ə How to pronounce labia majora (audio)
: the outer fatty folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

Examples of labia majora in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The vulva refers to the external genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora, which are the inner and outer lips of the vulva, Dr. Bone explains. Women's Health, 26 June 2023 The truth is, the labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips) look different on all types of bodies. Rachel Jacoby Zoldan, Glamour, 4 Aug. 2020 Stick with your upper vulva (mons pubis) and outer lips (labia majora). Melanie Rud, SELF, 16 June 2022 Some people’s labia minora extend past their labia majora and some don’t. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 13 Aug. 2021 According to Davis, the labia majora's job is to protect the more sensitive parts inside. Cheryl Wischhover, Teen Vogue, 25 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'labia majora.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, larger lips

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labia majora was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near labia majora

Cite this Entry

“Labia majora.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labia%20majora. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

labia majora

noun plural
la·​bia ma·​jo·​ra ˌlā-bē-ə-mə-ˈjōr-ə, -ˈjȯr- How to pronounce labia majora (audio)
: the outer fatty folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

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