mammary

adjective

mam·​ma·​ry ˈma-mə-rē How to pronounce mammary (audio)
: of, relating to, lying near, or affecting the mammae

Examples of mammary 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.
About half of mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and of those that are malignant, most can be treated successfully with surgery if caught early enough. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 Half of the mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and of the malignant half, most can be treated successfully with surgery if caught early enough, the veterinary group notes. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 This is because human males develop nipples, along with rudimentary mammary tissue, during the embryonic stage of development. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Mar. 2026 Keeping one breast leaves a small chance that the cancer will return, but Simpson said the possibility was worth it to her to avoid numbness across much of her chest from having the nerves removed along with the mammary tissue. Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mammary

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin mammārius, from Latin mamma "breast, udder" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at mamma entry 1

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mammary was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mammary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mammary. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

mammary

adjective
mam·​ma·​ry ˈmam-ə-rē How to pronounce mammary (audio)
: of, relating to, lying near, or affecting the mammary glands

Medical Definition

mammary

1 of 2 adjective
mam·​ma·​ry ˈmam-ə-rē How to pronounce mammary (audio)
: of, relating to, lying near, or affecting the mammae

mammary

2 of 2 noun
plural mammaries

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