pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpe-sə-rē 

plural pessaries

1

: a vaginal suppository

2

: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception

Examples of pessary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vaginal pessaries are recommended for women who want to avoid surgery or are not good candidates for surgical interventions. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 16 Jan. 2026

If needed, medications like Cymbalta, devices like vaginal pessaries, or specialist treatments like urethral bulking can be used. — Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024

The pessaries were for use by women for whom pregnancy would be too risky. — Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

Many women with mild symptoms will do well with conservative treatment such as a vaginal pessary, a silicone device that supports the pelvic organ. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2022

There are many therapies for incontinence, from bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, medications, injections and surgeries. — New York Times, 14 Jan. 2020

Other implants, like plastic urinary pessaries or penile pumps, would never even be seen by a crematory worker. — Hayley Campbell, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pessarie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pessarium, from pessus, pessum pessary, from Greek pessos oval stone for playing checkers, pessary

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pessary

• accessory
• possessory
• intercessory

Medical Definition

pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpes-ə-rē 

plural pessaries

1

: a vaginal suppository

2

: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception