udder

noun

ud·​der ˈə-dər 

1

: a large pendulous organ consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple see cow illustration

2

: mammary gland

Examples of udder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In laboratory experiments, Beer and coworkers recently infected cows with the virus to better understand infection of the udder, which USDA has concluded is the main route of transmission as the virus moves between cows on milking equipment. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 2 July 2024

Similarly, at the Michigan State Fair real bovine will be replaced in its milking demonstration by Milkshake and Buttercup, fiberglass cows that have rubber teats and udders filled with water. —Brie Stimson, Fox News, 1 Sep. 2024

An udder and nipples are among the anatomical evidence that this is a female. —Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 17 Sep. 2024

In 1941, Ely and Petersen wanted to learn more about the physiological processes at play in the ejection of milk from a cow's udders. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ūder; akin to Old High German ūtar udder, Latin uber, Greek outhar, Sanskrit ūdhar

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

1

: a large bag-shaped organ (as of a cow) consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common pouch but with each having a separate nipple

2

: a mammary gland

Medical Definition

udder

noun

ud·​der ˈəd-ər 

: a large pendulous organ in various mammals and especially a female domestic bovine consisting of two or more mammary glands enclosed in a common envelope and each provided with a single nipple