estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: any of various natural steroids (such as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens

Examples of estrogen 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.
IUDs are also an option, as well as therapies that combine estrogen with progestin, such as pills or patches. — Cathy Nelson, Health, 1 July 2026 Wurth saw two more physicians who refused to discuss hormones before a urologist started her on estrogen gel, oral progesterone and a vaginal estrogen cream. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026 The bill also prevents the addition of estrogen, mifepristone, and misoprostol — the latter two of which are used to end pregnancies early — to the monitoring program. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 June 2026 According to the outlet, Howlett said she and Julie Howlett had been married for four years and were both transitioning to female while taking estrogen and progesterone. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for estrogen

Word History

Etymology

estrus + -o- + -gen

Note: The word estrogen was originally a U.S. brand name for an extract of glandular tissue used in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction. Its producer, Parke, Davis and Company, relinquished rights to the name in 1936.

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estrogen was in 1927

Phrases Containing estrogen

Browse Nearby Words

estriol
estrogen
estrogenic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrogen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: a substance that tends to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics in the female and promote the growth and normal functioning of the female reproductive system
estrogenic
ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
variants or chiefly British oestrogen
ˈē-strə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: any of various natural steroids (as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens
estrogen-like adjective
or estrogenlike
-ˌlīk How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
an estrogen-like compound
estrogen-like effects

More from Merriam-Webster on estrogen

Nglish: Translation of estrogen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about estrogen

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