vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae ˈvəl-ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio) -ˌvī How to pronounce vulva (audio)
: the external parts of the female genital organs
vulval adjective
or vulvar
ˈvəl-vər How to pronounce vulva (audio)
-ˌvär

Examples of vulva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images The bra part of the outfit consisted of two medallions held together with metal chains, with more metal chains connecting to the bottom piece, which only mostly covered Fox's vulva. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Sep. 2023 The vulva refers to the external genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora, which are the inner and outer lips of the vulva, Dr. Bone explains. Women's Health, 26 June 2023 As with the charcoal mask sheet, products from the line are formulated to suit body, face and vulva. Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2021 It's caused by an abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the vulva. Sarah Bradley, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023 The term refers to breakouts of bumps that look like pimples on the outer genitals of the vaginal area, or the vulva. Health Editorial Team, Health, 6 Mar. 2023 Is sunshine protective against melanoma of the vulva? Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2012 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vulva.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin volva, vulva womb, female genitals; akin to Sanskrit ulva womb and perhaps to Latin volvere to roll — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulva was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vulva

Cite this Entry

“Vulva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulva. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

vulva

noun
vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae -ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio)
-ˌvī
: the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

vulva

noun
vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae -ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio) -ˌvī How to pronounce vulva (audio)
: the external parts of the female genital organs comprising the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and Bartholin's glands

More from Merriam-Webster on vulva

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