vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae ˈvəl-ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio) -ˌvī How to pronounce vulva (audio)
: the external parts of the female genital organs
vulval adjective
or vulvar
ˈvəl-vər How to pronounce vulva (audio)
-ˌvär

Examples of vulva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While Carrying Ceramics: 'There Were Casualties' According to the Cleveland Clinic, women need to keep their vulva clean to prevent infections, including bacterial vaginosis—an infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria—and yeast infections—an infection caused by an overgrowth of fungus. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 Then try placing it on the clitoral hood to cushion the intense vibrations, or try placing it on other parts of your vulva like along your inner labia. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024 The sticky, unfamiliar folds of her vulva grossed her out. Clare Sestanovich, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023 Behind her, a larger-than-life orchid resembles a vulva. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2024 Cold compresses or ice packs to the vulva can ease the itching too, Dr. Dweck says. Sarah Bradley, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023 Likewise, Kat’s nude moment — revealing the giant demon head encompassing her full vulva — is the punchline to a classic, tidy setup that traces back to the early scenes of the movie, when Audrey lets slip to Lolo that Kat has a genital tattoo. Maya Phillips, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2023 Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images The bra part of the outfit consisted of two medallions held together with metal chains, with more metal chains connecting to the bottom piece, which only mostly covered Fox's vulva. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Sep. 2023 The vulva refers to the external genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora, which are the inner and outer lips of the vulva, Dr. Bone explains. Women's Health, 26 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vulva.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulva was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vulva

Cite this Entry

“Vulva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulva. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vulva

noun
vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae -ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio)
-ˌvī
: the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

vulva

noun
vul·​va ˈvəl-və How to pronounce vulva (audio)
plural vulvae -ˌvē How to pronounce vulva (audio) -ˌvī How to pronounce vulva (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on vulva

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