udder

noun

ud·​der ˈə-dər 

1

: a large pendulous organ consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple see cow illustration

2

: mammary gland

Examples of udder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1941, Ely and Petersen wanted to learn more about the physiological processes at play in the ejection of milk from a cow's udders. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024

Currently, the virus seems to only have infected humans coming in direct contact with the udders and equipment used on infected cows, or farm workers involved in culling infected poultry flocks. —Benjamin Thorp, NPR, 4 Sep. 2024

Cow udders have been identified as a hotspot for the virus. —Tina Reed, Axios, 2 Aug. 2024

Health officials have been urging dairy workers to wear personal protective equipment in milking parlors, for example, given the sky-high levels of virus in cows’ udders and their milk. —Andrew Joseph, STAT, 16 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ūder; akin to Old High German ūtar udder, Latin uber, Greek outhar, Sanskrit ūdhar

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

1

: a large bag-shaped organ (as of a cow) consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common pouch but with each having a separate nipple

2

: a mammary gland

Medical Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

: a large pendulous organ in various mammals and especially a female domestic bovine consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple