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

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gynecology Scientific  

/ gī′nĭ-kŏl′ə-jē /

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

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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.

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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

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

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

“There’s a finite amount of blood,” said Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2025

Its cardiology and obstetrics and gynecology departments are the only ones in the city, he said; now patients must leave the city to find those services.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2024

Anna Reinert is an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024

But the lump tested negative for syphilis, so he told Henrietta she’d better go to the Johns Hopkins gynecology clinic.

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