ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈō-və-rē 

ˈōv-rē

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded usually basal portion of the pistil or gynoecium of an angiospermous plant that bears the ovules and consists of one or more carpels see flower illustration

Examples of ovary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During a hysterectomy, surgeons often perform procedures to remove ovaries and fallopian tubes. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Periods are the result of a coordinated conversation between the brain and the ovaries, with the adrenal glands, thyroid and gut all involved at points. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

GLP-1s for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women with polycystic ovary syndrome produce excess testosterone, which can lead to painful, heavy, or irregular periods, infertility, excess facial and body hair, severe acne, and small cysts on the ovaries. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025

In some cases, women may also choose ovarian tissue freezing, where part of the ovary is removed, frozen, and transplanted back later. —Julie Scott, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ovary

• polycystic ovary syndrome

Kids Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the usually paired organs in the body of female animals that produces eggs and that in female vertebrates also produces sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded lower part of the pistil of a flower in which seeds are formed

Medical Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones, that occur in the adult human as oval flattened bodies about one and a half inches (four centimeters) long suspended from the dorsal surface of the broad ligament of either side, that arise from the mesonephros, and that consist of a vascular fibrous stroma enclosing developing egg cells

2

: the female reproductive structure of an angiosperm that bears ovules and is enclosed in a flower