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ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈō-və-rē How to pronounce ovary (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Babies exposed early in pregnancy – before 17 weeks – also had a lower average level of Anti-Müllerian hormone, an indicator of the amount and quality of eggs in the ovaries. — Nancy Lapid, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The surgical procedure involves removing both ovaries and the fallopian tubes, and is recommended for BRCA2 carriers to undergo between the ages of 40 and 45 to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. — Caitlin Carlson, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026 That data showed that fetal acetaminophen exposure was associated with smaller ovaries during adolescence and smaller uteruses at puberty. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 On choosing surgical menopause In addition to a double mastectomy, Munn opted for an oophorectomy to remove her ovaries, plus had her fallopian tubes and uterus removed as well. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ovary

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovary was in 1658

Phrases Containing ovary

Browse Nearby Words

ovarium
ovary
ovate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ovary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovary. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ovary

noun
ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce ovary (audio)
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 How to pronounce ovary (audio)
plural ovaries
1
: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that in vertebrates produce eggs and female sex hormones, that occur in the adult human as oval-shaped 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ovary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ovary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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