vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae ˈvəl-ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: the external parts of the female genital organs

vulval

ˈvəl-vəl 

adjective

or vulvar

ˈvəl-vər 

-ˌvär

Examples of vulva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The installation barely considered Black women—including only one, Sojourner Truth, representing her, unlike the others, with a face instead of a vulva. —Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024

In fact, this normal (if sometimes awkward) bodily function, called queefing, is more like your vulva’s version of inhaling a gulp of air and blowing a raspberry. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Oct. 2024

The same goes for placing a cold compress (like an ice pack wrapped in a T-shirt) over your vulva or taking a cool bath, Dr. Dweck adds, which can tame a fiery reaction. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Sep. 2024

Anybody with a vulva is theoretically capable of squirting this kind of fluid. —Evelyn Bauer, Them, 16 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē 

-ˌvī

: the parts of the female genital organs that are on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

vulva

noun

vul·​va ˈvəl-və 

plural vulvae -ˌvē  -ˌvī 

: 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