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

Cancer that develops in the ovaries (the egg-producing reproductive organs) is referred to as ovarian cancer. —Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Ash was diagnosed with a mucinous borderline tumor of the right ovary with multifocal microinvasion. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025

One approach—mostly used in cancer patients—involves surgically removing pieces of the ovary and freezing them, then re-implanting the thawed tissue years later to restore ovarian function. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025

The ultrasound revealed a cyst on my ovary that the doctor said needed to be removed right away. —Katrina Martin, Health, 4 Mar. 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