udder

noun

ud·​der ˈə-dər 

1

: a large pendulous organ consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple see cow illustration

2

: mammary gland

Examples of udder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The virus targets the mammary gland's milk-secreting epithelial cells, causing painful infections in the udder. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2025

Cow udders may offer one venue for such a hybrid virus to develop. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2025

Martin dips Reba’s udders in a solution to disinfect them. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025

The bacterial infection of the udder can spread through a herd, reducing milk supply and requiring milk be discarded. —Vickie Chachere, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ūder; akin to Old High German ūtar udder, Latin uber, Greek outhar, Sanskrit ūdhar

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for udder

• rudder
• scudder
• shudder

Kids Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

1

: a large bag-shaped organ (as of a cow) consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common pouch but with each having a separate nipple

2

: a mammary gland

Medical Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

: a large pendulous organ in various mammals and especially a female domestic bovine consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple