gynecology

American  

[gahy-ni-kol-uh-jee, jin-i-, jahy-ni-] / ˌgaɪ nɪˈkɒl ə dʒi, ˌdʒɪn ɪ-, ˌdʒaɪ nɪ- /

noun

1. the branch of medical science that deals with the health maintenance and diseases of women, especially of the reproductive organs. GYN, gyn

---

gynecology Scientific  

/ gī′nĭ-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the female reproductive system, its diseases, and their treatment.

---

gynecology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the care of women, and particularly to the study and care of the female reproductive system.

---

Other Word Forms

• gynecologic
  adjective
• gynecological
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gynecology

First recorded in 1840–50; gyneco- + -logy

Explanation

Gynecology is the medical specialty of female health, particularly the reproductive system. A study of gynecology includes a lot of information about pregnancy and childbirth. A doctor whose expertise is gynecology is usually also an obstetrician, or a physician who provides prenatal and childbirth care to a pregnant woman. Gynecology also includes the treatment of diseases and conditions that only affect women. The word comes from the French gynécologie, which is based on the Greek roots gyne, "women," and -logy, "study of."

Example Sentences

Encouraging heart healthy habits in schools, community centers, pediatric clinics and gynecology offices can help prevent disease before it starts.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

The reason was straightforward: These medications were and are used in obstetrics and gynecology for other reasons.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

Dr. Christina Han, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, also has patients who are planning to relocate to Arizona, San Diego and Northern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2025

Women should not assume that their medications are unsafe in pregnancy, said Shari Lusskin, a clinical professor of psychiatry, obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2024

The symposium had been organized in Henrietta’s honor by Roland Pattillo, a professor of gynecology at Morehouse who’d been one of George Gey’s only African-American students.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot