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

The ovaries work hard to make and release eggs for ovulation. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2025

During the procedure, a doctor places donor sperm directly into the patient’s uterus during ovulation, to increase the chances of conception. —Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025

Teens also experience follicular stages and ovulation, all of which may come with symptoms like unexpected energy increases and dips, appetite changes, and bloating. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025

Apple added more health and convenience tools, including wrist temperature sensing for deeper insights in the Vitals app, retrospective ovulation estimates and an Always-On display. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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