ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈō-və-rē 

ˈōv-rē

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded usually basal portion of the pistil or gynoecium of an angiospermous plant that bears the ovules and consists of one or more carpels see flower illustration

Examples of ovary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In severe cases, particularly when other treatments have failed, a hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries may also be considered. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterus’s inner lining grows outside of the uterus, and typically affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

The change recognizes that the disease is not one of the ovaries but rather a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 25 June 2026

During an exploratory surgery to address the issue, doctors also discovered a cyst on her right ovary and scarring caused by endometriosis. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ovary

• polycystic ovary syndrome

Kids Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the usually paired organs in the body of female animals that produces eggs and that in female vertebrates also produces sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded lower part of the pistil of a flower in which seeds are formed

Medical Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that in vertebrates produce eggs and female sex hormones, that occur in the adult human as oval-shaped flattened bodies about one-and-a-half inches (four centimeters) long suspended from the dorsal surface of the broad ligament of either side, that arise from the mesonephros, and that consist of a vascular fibrous stroma enclosing developing egg cells

2

: the female reproductive structure of an angiosperm that bears ovules and is enclosed in a flower