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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In one image, her vulva is contiguous with her loud pink unitard, making her whole body vulval. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024 The wand vibrator's bulbous head and thick, curved body diffuse rumbly vibrations across the clit and vulva. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2024 The installation barely considered Black women—including only one, Sojourner Truth, representing her, unlike the others, with a face instead of a vulva. Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024 In fact, this normal (if sometimes awkward) bodily function, called queefing, is more like your vulva’s version of inhaling a gulp of air and blowing a raspberry. Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vulva 

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 21 Dec. 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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