ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌä vyə-ˈlā-shən  ˌō- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

Doctors have found that a few days before ovulation, as many as 30 to 50 egg follicles have begun to mature. Normally, only one will fully ripen … and the rest are lost.

—Mary Duenwald

In principle, ovulation takes place midway through a 28-day … cycle.

—Judith N. Schwartz

Examples of ovulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Around day 14, ovulation brings estrogen and testosterone to their peak, with energy highest and appetite lowest. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

An August 2025 study in Biology from the Medical University of Gdansk did find women performed significantly better on memory and attention tasks just before ovulation when estradiol is high. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

Hormonal birth control is a pregnancy prevention method using synthetic hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle and stop ovulation. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026

Hormonal birth control uses synthetic hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

ovule or its source, Medieval Latin ōvulum + -ation

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ovulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən 

also

ˌōv- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

The persistent high level of estrogen induces an abrupt release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, and this hormonal surge then triggers ovulation.

—Hsiu-Wei Su et al., Bioengineering & Translational Medicine