What does labia mean?
Labia is the plural of labium and is the standard anatomical term for the fleshy folds surrounding the opening of the vulva. The term encompasses two structures: the labia majora, the larger outer folds, and the labia minora, the smaller inner folds. In general use, especially in anatomy and healthcare, “labia” may refer to both sets collectively or to a particular pair when the full term is not necessary. The structures differ in typical size, tissue composition, and appearance, although there is considerable natural variation among individuals. Accurate use of the singular and plural forms matters: labium is singular, while labia is plural, and the more specific terms majora and minora distinguish the outer and inner folds respectively.
nounThe labia are the fleshy folds forming the outer and inner lips of the vulva. The larger outer folds are called the labia majora, and the smaller inner folds are called the labia minora.
- The fleshy folds that form the outer and inner lips of the vulva, collectively divided into the labia majora and labia minora.
"The labia vary considerably in size, shape, and coloration between individuals."
"The outer labia generally contain more adipose tissue than the inner labia."
"Anatomical variation in the appearance of the labia is entirely normal."
Labia is already plural; its anatomical singular is labium.
"The labia are part of the external anatomy of the vulva."
The word refers to two distinct sets of folds: the larger labia majora and the smaller labia minora.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does labia come from?
The anatomical term comes from Latin labium, meaning “lip.” Its plural labia was used in Latin and later adopted directly into English in anatomical contexts. The same Latin root also underlies words such as labial and labialize, while lip is a separate Germanic cognate associated with the broader idea of an edge or rim.
Related word forms
How labia is actually used
In anatomical usage, this is normally a plural noun. The singular is labium, though labium more often refers to a lip-like anatomical structure outside the vulva. Clinical descriptions may use the paired terms labia majora and labia minora for greater precision.
Easily confused with labia
Labium is the singular of the anatomical term whose plural is labia.