vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae ˈvəl-ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: the external parts of the female genital organs

vulval

ˈvəl-vəl 

adjective

or vulvar

ˈvəl-vər 

-ˌvär

Examples of vulva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are different reasons why your vulva may become irritated or inflamed. —Heidi Cope, Health, 24 Dec. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē 

-ˌvī

: the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: 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