noun
vulva
VUL-vuh/ˈvʌlvə/
The external female genital organs surrounding the vaginal opening.
The vulva includes the labia and surrounds the vaginal opening.
Etymology
Latin vulva meant “womb” or “female sexual organ”; English uses it for the external genital area. The Latin word may originally have meant “wrapper,” though that derivation is uncertain.
In context
A sore on the outer skin of your vulva is not the same as having a pain inside the vaginal canal.
More examples
- She asks her doctor about itching around her vulva.
- The diagram labels the vulva separately from the vagina.
- The doctor checks the vulva for redness or swelling.
Forms
vulva · vulvas · vulvae
vulvar adjective — Relating to the external female genital organs.
Similar words
- genitalia
- Can refer to male or female genitals, not just female.