vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae ˈvəl-ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: the external parts of the female genital organs

vulval

ˈvəl-vəl 

adjective

or vulvar

ˈvəl-vər 

-ˌvär

Examples of vulva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The same goes for placing a cold compress (like an ice pack wrapped in a T-shirt) over your vulva or taking a cool bath, Dr. Dweck adds, which can tame a fiery reaction. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Sep. 2024

Anybody with a vulva is theoretically capable of squirting this kind of fluid. —Evelyn Bauer, Them, 16 Aug. 2024

Materials: Silicone | Power source: Rechargeable | Waterproof: Yes 17 Lovense Nora Rabbit Vibrator Pros: Four hour run-time, app-control capability Cons: Charging can be glitchy The rotating shaft on this toy massages the G-spot while its adjustable external arm pulses against the vulva. —Kristin Canning, SELF, 6 July 2024

Top: This layer is closest to the vulva and is typically soft to the touch. —Nicole Crawford, Verywell Health, 6 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē 

-ˌvī

: the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: 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