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

One thing that can happen as a result is that your vulva can start to look different—for instance, your labia minora, the inner lips of your vulva, can start to shrink or even disappear, Dr. Beshear says. —Erica Sweeney, SELF, 20 June 2025

Scents Just like other areas of the body can react to things like fragrances or detergents, so can the vulva, Dr. De-Lin explains. —Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025

Plus, the sweat and oil glands help maintain skin health and support the vulva’s microbiome, Javaid says. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 6 May 2025

Using a washcloth, loofah, or gentle scrub, exfoliate the skin on your bikini line and around your vulva. —Megan Gustashaw, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025

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