: either of two oval racemose glands lying one to each side of the lower part of the vagina and secreting a lubricating mucus compare cowper's gland

Word History

Etymology

Kaspar Bartholin †1738 Danish physician

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bartholin's gland was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bartholin's gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bartholin%27s%20gland. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: either of two oval racemose glands lying one to each side of the lower part of the vagina and secreting a lubricating mucus

called also gland of Bartholin, greater vestibular gland

compare cowper's gland

More from Merriam-Webster on Bartholin's gland

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!