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

Her research shows that reducing fibrosis in the ovary with medication may help preserve hormone production, improve ovulation and possibly slow ovarian decline. —Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025

It's also characterized by problems with ovulation. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 23 June 2025

The team had also discovered how to induce ovulation in the dunnart. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

For fertility and pregnancy, AI is being used to predict ovulation and fertility windows more precisely, as well as create personalized treatment plans based on past IVF outcomes. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 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