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

Washes, serums and moisturizers formulated for the vulva are migrating from drugstore back shelves to TikTok Shop, Target endcaps and premium beauty counters, backed by a market that has grown too large for retailers and investors to treat as niche. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Intimate skincare is the category of washes, serums, moisturizers and pH-balanced cleansers made specifically for the vulva, usually priced between $17 and $135. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Wolfson has here taken an image in which a nude Koons is shown cupping the thighs of Cicciolina, who exposes her vulva for all to see. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

At the far right is a woman with triangle breasts, a cleft vulva, and a mischievous smile. — Walker Mimms, The New York Review of Books, 19 Sep. 2026

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