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
ˈvəl-vəl How to pronounce vulva (audio)
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.
This could mean experiencing itching and redness of the vulva, even when your baseline tissue is quite healthy. — Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 17 Dec. 2025 One of the oldest symbols was probably a representation of the vulva. — Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 And then silence, suddenly, as a religious illustration of what appears to be a vulva appears on screen. — David Opie, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2025 Your vulva also encompasses your mons pubis, the rounded area located in front of your pubic bones where hair typically grows. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

vulv-
vulva
vulvate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vulva

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