vulva

American  

[vuhl-vuh] / ˈvʌl və /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

vulvae, vulvas

1. the external female genitalia.

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vulva British  

/ ˈvʌlvə, ˈvʌlvɪˌfɔːm, ˈvʌlveɪt /

noun

1. the external genitals of human females, including the labia, mons veneris, clitoris, and the vaginal orifice

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vulva Scientific  

/ vŭl′və /

plural

vulvas

1. The external genitals of female mammals, including the labia and clitoris.

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vulva Cultural  

1. The external organs of the female reproductive system.

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Other Word Forms

• nonvulval adjective
• nonvulvar adjective
• vulval adjective
• vulvar adjective
• vulvate adjective
• vulviform adjective

Etymology

Origin of vulva

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1540–50

Compare meaning

How does vulva compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vulva vs. labia
• vulva vs. vagina

Example Sentences

"The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva," said the 42-year-old.

From BBC

The vulva hypothesis is one of the myriad theories that have proliferated around Stonehenge, which was constructed some 4,500 years ago.

From New York Times

A 2014 survey by British charity The Eve Appeal found that one-third of young women avoided going to the doctor for gynecological health issues, and 65 percent struggled to say the words vagina or vulva.

From New York Times

Dr. Megan Evans, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Tufts Medical Center, said the ingredients that are often used in bath bombs can cause "irritation and inflammation to the vulva."

From Salon

Light was shone on the issues of cancer of the vulva, smear fear and endometriosis.

From BBC

Related Words

• genitalia