ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌä vyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce ovulation (audio) ˌō- How to pronounce ovulation (audio)
: 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
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.
Ovarian cysts, meanwhile, are follicles that persist or grow when the normal ovulation process is disrupted. — Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026 Around day 14, ovulation brings estrogen and testosterone to their peak, with energy highest and appetite lowest. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026 Fertility treatments may be used to help induce ovulation in people who are trying to conceive children with this condition, Dunaif added. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 Siri processing, ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, and wrist temperature sensing, for a low price. — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ovulation

Word History

Etymology

ovule or its source, Medieval Latin ōvulum + -ation

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovulation was in 1848

Rhymes for ovulation

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Browse Nearby Words

ovulate
ovulation
ovulatory
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Cite this Entry

“Ovulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovulation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ovulation

noun
ovu·​la·​tion ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce ovulation (audio)
also
ˌōv- How to pronounce ovulation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ovulation

Nglish: Translation of ovulation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ovulation

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