ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌä vyə-ˈlā-shən  ˌō- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

Doctors have found that a few days before ovulation, as many as 30 to 50 egg follicles have begun to mature. Normally, only one will fully ripen … and the rest are lost.

—Mary Duenwald

In principle, ovulation takes place midway through a 28-day … cycle.

—Judith N. Schwartz

Examples of ovulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and changing the lining of your uterus (womb) and your vaginal discharge to prevent sperm from entering your body.1 Some people have side effects when taking birth control pills with estrogen. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 23 Feb. 2025

Learn about the different kinds of ovulation tests There are a few different kinds of ovulation tests, including basic ovulation tests and digital ovulation tests. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

Many people experience constant pelvic pain, and levels go up during their period, ovulation, or the middle of their cycles, Burns noted. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 4 Mar. 2025

The provider retrieves mature eggs during ovulation without the use of fertility drugs. —Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ovule or its source, Medieval Latin ōvulum + -ation

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ovulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən 

also

ˌōv- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

The persistent high level of estrogen induces an abrupt release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, and this hormonal surge then triggers ovulation.

—Hsiu-Wei Su et al., Bioengineering & Translational Medicine